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Dwight Howard reacts to Kobe Bryant’s ex-teammate’s ‘number one guy’ announcement for Knicks coaching job

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 5:28 PM ET

One former NBA veteran wants the New York Knicks head coaching job despite seeing Tom Thibodeau’s shocking firing.

The New York Knicks were just two wins away from playing in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 as they suffered a 4-2 defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Evidently, many wondered who would shoulder the blame for the ECF elimination at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Well, it turned out to be none other than head coach Tom Thibodeau.

While coach Thibs was sacked by the Knicks following a five-year stint, former NBA player Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) used this opportunity to make a case for himself as the next coach of the team.

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What Dwight Howard thinks of Metta World Peace wanting the New York Knicks coaching job

Being a 17-year NBA veteran, World Peace certainly has a wealth of experience playing in the league. On top of that, he spent six seasons under the wing of the late NBA great Kobe Bryant.

There’s no denying the fact that he learned a thing or two while helping the LA Lakers win the 2010 NBA championship. But why not take a look at why Artest thinks he’ll be the perfect man to lead the Knicks?

“Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the New York Knicks. Since 1999 this was supposed to happen. I’ve never run from the city,” World Peace wrote via X.

“When all the top players left NYC because it was hard, I went to St. John’s Basketball. 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,” he added.

Artest’s announcement was heard by former Lakers star and teammate Dwight Howard as he vouched for him via X.

“Metta got my vote for coach of the Knicks,” Howard tweeted.

Metta World Peace explains why he’s ‘ready’ to coach the New York Knicks

Artest may have donned many hats, but if he lands the Knicks job, it will be his first shot at coaching an NBA basketball team. He previously had a short stint as a player development coach with the South Bay Lakers of the G League.

Despite knowing that, he decided to list out the points that prove why he is ready to accept this new role.

“I want every bit of the smoke in NYC. I’m 100% in and ready to head coach the great New York Knicks,” he tweeted.

But to prove his worth, he listed every major achievement of his career:

“NBA accolades speak for themselves. I basically locked up tons of Hall of Famers. Sorry. But light works. Metta is ready for the city,” the 2010 NBA champion concluded.

While it’s an impressive resume, it still takes a different pedigree to be an NBA coach. Even the best of coaches spend years as assistants before landing a title as big as the head coach of the Knicks.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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