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What Was Metta World Peace Original Name?

Introduction

Metta World Peace is a retired NBA player who is known for his defensive skills and his eccentric personality. He is also known for changing his name legally in 2011. Before he became Metta World Peace, he was known as Ron Artest. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind his name change and his original name.

Who is Metta World Peace?

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, is a retired NBA player who played for several teams during his career. He was born on November 13, 1979, in Queens, New York. He played college basketball at St. John's University before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1999. He played for the Bulls, the Indiana Pacers, the Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks, and the China Basketball Association.

Why Did Ron Artest Change His Name?

Ron Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace in 2011. The reason behind his name change was to promote world peace and to inspire others to do the same. In an interview with ESPN, he said, "Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world. I'm glad that it's getting publicity because it's something that I believe in." He also said that he wanted to honor his Buddhist faith and to promote love and compassion.

What Does Metta World Peace Mean?

Metta World Peace is a combination of two words: Metta and World Peace. Metta is a Pali word that means loving-kindness, friendliness, and goodwill. It is a central concept in Buddhism and is often used in meditation practices. World Peace, on the other hand, is a term that refers to the absence of war and violence and the establishment of a peaceful and harmonious world. By combining these two words, Ron Artest wanted to promote the idea of love, kindness, and peace.

What Was Ron Artest Original Name?

Ron Artest was born Ronald William Artest Jr. on November 13, 1979, in Queensbridge, New York. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and had a difficult childhood. His father was absent, and his mother suffered from mental illness. Despite these challenges, he found solace in basketball and became a talented player. He attended La Salle Academy in New York City and later transferred to St. John's University.

Ron Artest's NBA Career

Ron Artest was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1999 and played for the team for three seasons. He then played for the Indiana Pacers, where he became known for his defensive skills and his aggressive playing style. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team three times. He also played for the Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Knicks. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2010.

Controversies

Ron Artest was known for his on-court and off-court controversies. In 2004, he was involved in a brawl with fans during a game between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. The incident, which became known as the "Malice at the Palace," resulted in suspensions and fines for several players. Artest was suspended for the remainder of the season and lost $5 million in salary. He also faced legal charges and community service. In 2007, he was arrested for domestic violence and was suspended for seven games by the NBA. He also faced criticism for his behavior during interviews and press conferences.

Retirement

Metta World Peace retired from the NBA in 2017, after playing for 17 seasons. He finished his career with averages of 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He was known for his defensive skills and his ability to guard multiple positions. He was also known for his eccentric personality and his charitable work. After retiring from the NBA, he became a coach and a mentor for young players.

Conclusion

Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, is a retired NBA player who changed his name legally in 2011. He changed his name to promote world peace and to inspire others to do the same. His original name was Ronald William Artest Jr. He had a successful NBA career, but he was also known for his controversies and his eccentric personality. Despite his flaws, he was a talented player and a passionate advocate for peace and love.