Basketball World

On draft day there is typically a lot of news going around. Whether it be rumors or reports, speculation on draft picks or trades, the NBA draft days have been pretty hectic news-wise.

Then there is Ron Artest… or WAS Ron Artest. He is legally changing his name to “World Peace.” This is not a joke as TMZ reports:

Yes, Ron is going the way of Cassius Clay, Lew Alcindor and Chad Johnson. Ron’s filed a petition in L.A. County Superior Court to change his name to — World Peace. FYI, metta means loving, kindness, happiness and all that jazz. We’re told Ron wants to put the new last name — Peace — on the back of his L.A. Lakers’ jersey.

Mitch Kupchak was asked during a media session Thursday what he thinks about Ron changing his name to “Metta World Peace”:

As you can see it put a smile to my face” Kupchak said grinning ear to ear. “It’s been done before, so other than that, I really don’t have a comment.”

Kupchak was then asked if the name change surprised him “No, It does not surprise me, early on I wanted to change my name when I was in elementary school, and junior high there weren’t too many Kupchak’s around, but I’m happy with it now.

Finally when asked what should be on the back of Ron’s jersey next year Kupchak simply said, “I’m an advocate of World Peace!” which was met by a roar of laughter from the media room.

TV networks have a lot of time to fill, which explains why more and more athlete-celebrities are getting star vehicles. Most of them don’t interest me, though I realize there is certainly a large demographic that can’t get enough of them.
Another athlete is joining the list, and while no one should be surprised to see him getting a reality show, it’s actually one with a more substantial premise than one might think.
From TMZ:

Los Angeles Lakers star Ron Artest has locked up a deal for a brand new reality TV show — but he won’t be dating a Kardashian sister … he’s helping ex-cons change their lives through basketball.

The show is called “Last Second Shot” (here is the trailer), and it will feature Artest mentoring 10 parolees as they try to get their lives back together post-prison, working with mental-health professionals and using basketball to teach them life lessons.
So far the show has yet to be picked up by a network, but given the redemptive-effort nature of the show, plus Artest’s background and following as an NBA player, you have to think someone will give the show a chance. Though if he could somehow work dating a Kardashian into the mix, I am sure it wouldn’t hurt.

Shaquille O’Neal who helped bring three world championships to the Los Angeles Lakers announced on twitter on Wednesday that he is retiring:

We did it!, 19 years baby, and I want to thank you very much, and that’s why I’m telling you [twitter followers] first! I’m about to retire. Love you, talk to you soon!”

In his career he averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. O’Neal shot 58% from the field, in his 19 seasons.

O’Neal finishes his career with 28,596, points, and is ranked 5th in all-time scoring. The 15 time all-star is a former league MVP, 3 time NBA Finals MVP, and won four world championships. (3 with Lakers, 1 with Heat)

O’Neal battled through injuries over the last couple of seasons. He was only able to play 36 games for the Celtics during the regular season, and played a total of 12 minutes in the playoffs for Boston limited by his Achilles injury.



Related posts:
Mike Brown is the New Lakers Coach

Deal is done. Mike Brown and Lakers agree to 4-year, $18.25 million deal. Team option for 4th year. Brown gets $2.5 mil if option not taken

Mike Brown was hired by current San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich in 2000 as an assistant coach. After winning a championship with the Spurs in 2003, he went to Indiana to be an assistant coach for then head coach Rich Carlisle.
Brown got his first shot at being the head man when he was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005 and in 2007 he led the Cavs to the NBA Finals.
In 2009, he was awarded the Coach of the Year, and won over 50 games with the team, four of his five seasons as the head coach of the Cavaliers. Brown went 272-138 (.663) in 5 seasons with Cleveland.
Since being fired by the Cavaliers in 2010, Brown has been an NBA analyst for ESPN. Brown turned 41 years-old in March.

About Mike Brown (Wikipedia)