Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] A former NBA All-Star with a colorful reputation believes he’s the perfect fit to become the next head coach of the New York Knicks — and he’s making sure the team hears him loud and clear.
Following the Knicks’ surprising decision on Tuesday to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau, Metta World Peace — now going by Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly Ron Artest — wasted no time campaigning for the position.
He even updated his social media name to “Coach Metta” and began posting a series of messages pitching himself as the ideal candidate. A Queens native, Artest cited his New York roots, playing career, and basketball experience as reasons why he believes he should get the job.
“Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks. Since 1999, this was supposed to happen. I’ve never run from the city,” Artest wrote on X. “When all the top players left NYC because it was hard, I went to @StJohnsBBall. I wanted to be drafted by the Knicks. I seemed to be the only one unafraid of the city. I’m built to challenge the city. I’m the number one guy for the job. And I have 360-degree experience.”
In follow-up posts, Artest praised Thibodeau as “absolutely incredible” and said the Knicks are now in position to win a title — one he believes he could help bring to New York.
While his passion is evident, it remains highly unlikely that the Knicks will seriously consider him for the role. Artest last played in the NBA in 2017 and briefly suited up for the Knicks during the 2013–14 season. He also played for St. John’s University from 1997 to 1999.
Artest has some coaching experience, having worked as a player development coach for the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League in 2017–18. He has previously expressed interest in coaching the Knicks, and at least one NBA coach has voiced support for Artest taking on a coaching role.
Despite being a 2004 All-Star and one of the league’s top defenders during his career, Artest is just as well-known for his fiery temper and eccentric personality — factors that may hurt his chances of landing a high-profile coaching job. Nonetheless, he’s made it clear he’s not backing down from his pursuit of the Knicks’ top spot.5