Metta World Peace says he should've been drafted a Knick: 'Imagine that lockdown defense in the Garden'

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By Shane Garry Acedera | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 8:40 AM ET

Metta World Peace recently attended the New York Knicks' annual Homecoming Weekend at Basketball City in New York. Being in the presence of Knicks' legends like Earl Monroe, Walt Frazier, Bernard King, and Patrick Ewing, among others, was a full circle moment for the Queensbridge native.

After Saturday dinner with the legends, World-Peace took to Instagram to show his appreciation for being invited to the event. He also talked about the biggest what-if of his NBA career: playing for the Knicks in his prime.

"I'm so blessed," wrote Artest on Instagram. "1999 draft is officially erased. I'm at peace. Thanks Knicks. As a New York City kid with over 30 championships around NYC. I'm not going to get into that. But I am the concrete. Yes. I should've been a Knick. 1000%. Imagine that lockdown defense in the Garden."

The Knicks infamously passed on Artest in the 1999 NBA Draft

Then known as Ron Artest, World-Peace was a first-team Big East and third-team All-American at St. John's when he entered the 1999 NBA Draft. Coming off an appearance in the 1999 NBA Finals, the Knicks had the opportunity to draft the hometown kid with the 15th pick of the Draft.

But the Knicks surprised everyone by choosing to go with 7'2" Frenchman Frederick Weis, who ended up never playing a single game for the team. Artest was picked by the Chicago Bulls immediately after Weis, and he spent his first two-plus years in the league in Chicago before he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where his career took off.

"This kid loves NYC. You are already know," added Artest. "I absolutely don't belong in this room, but I'm thanking God that I was," Artest continued.

Thanks @nyknicks . My favorite players as a kid… I did not deserve to be on that floor. I’m so grateful. Thanks @nyknicks . pic.twitter.com/sq2eoUmXEf
— Head Coach Metta (@MettaWorld37) December 8, 2024

World Peace finally played for the Knicks in 2013

Artest won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004. That season, he was also named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team and earned a spot on the All-NBA third team. But his career spiraled after he was involved in the 'Malice at the Palace' the following season.

He had stops in Sacramento and Houston before joining Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles in 2009. World Peace would help the Lakers win the second of back-to-back titles in the 2010 NBA Finals, with Metta hitting a clutch three-pointer in Game 7. He played in L.A. in 2013, and after he was waived, he finally got a chance to play for the Knicks, who signed him up for a deal.

But he was already 34 at the time and past his prime. While it was still a fulfilling experience for World Peace, many—including Metta himself—believe he would've made a difference if the Knicks had drafted him. But that's in the past now. As he said, he's at peace with that now.

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

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