Metta World Peace Proves He's Still a Liability, Disses James Harden on Twitter

Metta World Peace's Twitter coverage of the NBA Finals is proving to be every bit as provocative as anything Jeff Van Gundy is saying—and that's no easy feat.

The ever-opinionated Los Angeles Lakers forward stirred up some raised eyebrows with the thoughts he shared about Oklahoma City Thunder rival James Harden via Twitter:

"

No brain All beard

— Metta WorldPeace (@MettaWorldPeace) June 18, 2012"

Just a few moments later, Metta seemingly attempted to make peace with a more complimentary tweet:

"

Harden will hit a big shot right nowWatch out

— Metta WorldPeace (@MettaWorldPeace) June 18, 2012"

Wherever his sincerity lies, it's not entirely clear why World Peace would feel comfortable discussing the Sixth Man of the Year in the first place. After having shown so little compunction for his hard elbow to the back of Harden's head, one would expect a slightly more sobered approach from World Peace.

Fans and media alike are prone to make far too much of the harmless tweets, but that's exactly the problem.

After receiving a seven-game suspension for the elbow that could have cost his team dearly, World Peace has to be more aware of how his words will be perceived.

By this point in his career, you'd think he'd be figuring that out. 

From World Peace's perspective, the comments were almost certainly meant in good-natured jest. Given his history, however, he shouldn't have to be told that any and all of his missives will be scrutinized. That may be unfair, but it's the reality that comes with a track record replete with shenanigans.

More importantly, it's the Lakers' perspective that matters most.

This is a team that failed to reach the Western Conference finals for the second-consecutive time after three-straight appearances. World Peace's sense of humor has never been in doubt, but this may not be the best time to have it firing on all cylinders.

Again, a reasonable audience would understand that even disappointed stars have a need for levity. 

There's just nothing reasonable about public perception, a fact World Peace must contend with if he's to contribute to the kind of professional image the Lakers need.