Just a month ago, Metta World Peace was so unhappy in New York that he was willing to take a financial hit — he agreed to a buyout where he reportedly took more than $1 million less — just to get out the door of Madison Square Garden and try to pitch his services to other teams.
In the interim Phil Jackson has come in as the President of Basketball Operations and anointed savior of Knicks basketball.
With Jackson in charge — the coach that World Peace won a title with and most respects — World Peace now regrets asking to get out and is hoping for a return to New York, reports the New York Post.It was equivalent to a job interview. Metta World Peace, who lives in Beverly Hills, ran up to Phil Jackson’s Staples Center suite during halftime from his courtside seat for a chat Tuesday night during the Knicks’ 127-96 blowout loss to the Lakers….
World Peace has told confidants he yearns for a second chance as a Knick after his first stint went sour. When asked if the former Ron Artest wants another shot at New York when he’s a free agent this summer, the confidant told The Post: “Abso-bleeping-lutely.’’
Good luck with that.
On the bright side, MWP is reportedly only seeking a veteran minimum deal of $1.4 million.
Still, I don’t see the fit. World Peace is 34 years old and battling arthritic knees, his mobility and skills have declined for a few years. At this point the Knicks should be filling out the end of their roster with young players that they can develop for the future, not veterans who might be able to help you situationally now like World Peace.