Retired NBA player Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, tweeted out his interest in becoming the head coach for the Knicks on Friday afternoon.
"If the @nyknicks is available, I definitely want to head coach there," World Peace said. "I will absolutely bring that street mentality to the garden...This would be epic for all people like me. Straight from the jungles to win a title in NYC."
World Peace, 40, was born and raised in Queens, NY and attended St. John's University from 1997-1999. He played 17 seasons in the NBA from 1999-2014 and then from 2015-2017, including a brief stint with the Knicks during the 2013-14 season.
He was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 while with the Indiana Pacers, and won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010.
"If I ever got the @nyknicks job, my first message would be direct to fans and media. It wouldn't be nice... I'm not happy how you guys put pressure on every coach and star... Be supportive and let's win a title," World Peace said.
Since 2017, World Peace has been a player development coach for the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.
He also tweeted out his respect for David Fizdale, and added a message to Knicks fans.
"Wanna give a shoutout to Coach Fiz. Good job. Definitely deserved the opportunity. Whoever gets the @nyknicks, good luck. It's one of the best jobs in sports. Block out the fans. they act hard, but really, they just want to win."