Metta World Peace to change name to 'Panda Friend'
Knicks' Metta World Peace looks on from the court against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. (Nov. 10, 2013) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Metta World Peace is at it again.
The NBA star, formerly known as Ron Artest, is planning on changing his name to “Panda Friend.”
World Peace made the announcement hours after he told Twitter followers he was joining the Sichuan Blue Whales Basketball Club of the China Basketball Association.
“New Chinese name coming soon. You guys are going to love it!!!!” he tweeted on Monday.
According to China Daily, World Peace is changing is name in honor of his move to China.
“New high-profile import playing for Chinese basketball Association club Sichuan Blue Whales is known as Ron Artest but intends to change his name to 'Panda Friend' in honor of his move to China,” the newspaper reported.
However, World Peace clarified on Twitter on Thursday that his name will not be “Panda Friend” – it will be “The Pandas Friend.”
“I have more creativity coming in china. Im only there for 4months, so I will make sure its fun and successful before I head back to America,” he tweeted.
The one-year deal to play with Sichuan is worth $1.43 million, making World Peace the highest paid import player, according to Sports Illustrated.
As if the name change wasn't big enough news, Peace told fans to "stay tuned" for more.
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