Metta World Peace Wise to Pick New Nickname Instead of Full-Fledged Name Change

New York Knicks forward Ron Artest Metta World Peace is giving fans even greater reason to love him. According to his Twitter account, he's going to afford the fans an opportunity to give the eccentric forward a new moniker heading into the new season. 

World Peace wanted to clear the air of any rumors that he might be legally changing his name again, as he did back in 2011 when he went from Ron Artest to Metta World Peace. 

With a name like Metta World Peace, you really wouldn't think he needs a nickname. But the Knicks star is nothing if not a man of the people, so he's taking suggestions on his website and will make a decision in two weeks. 

It's really just another reason why World Peace should be a huge hit in New York next season. 

After being amnestied by the Los Angeles Lakers on July 11, the New York native agreed to terms with the hometown Knicks on July 15. 

Despite World Peace's declining numbers on the court, Magic Johnson of ESPN took to Twitter to declare that the move made the Knicks a title contender:

While that's may be a little premature, the 33-year-old World Peace averaged just 12.4 points and five rebounds in 33.7 minutes per game, there's no doubt that New York fans should be looking forward to World Peace's homecoming.

The forward played his high school basketball at La Salle Academy in New York City and went to college at local St. John's. 

Allowing the fans to pick his new nickname will only serve to strengthen the connection between the team and their newest addition to the roster. Even if he doesn't transform the team into the title contender, his personality and veteran presence should make the Knicks much more fun to watch next season. 

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