Metta World Peace Reveals He Almost Became Knicks HC But 'People Were Scared...Hating'

Former NBA star Metta World Peace says he "almost" landed the New York Knicks' coaching job this offseason.

The 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year told TMZ Sports that "some people were scared" and "some people were hating, actually."

World Peace publicly lobbied for the gig over the summer after the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau. In a June social media post, he called himself the "perfect choice," citing his basketball experience and deep roots to New York City:

The 46-year-old also stated his case to TMZ Sports at the time and said he "sent messages everywhere" to declare his interest.

This wasn't the first time World Peace angled to lead the Knicks. After David Fizdale was dismissed in December 2019, he wasted no time in inserting himself into the conversation and laid out his credentials.

It doesn't appear World Peace was a serious candidate for New York before the organization landed on Mike Brown.

There are examples of former players attaining the top position on the bench despite lacking a lot or any coaching experience.

Derek Fisher retired as a player after the 2013-14 season, and the Knicks hired him almost immediately. Granted, the team's 40-96 record with Fisher underlines the risk in hiring somebody who's largely unproven in the role.

Jason Kidd struggled out of the gate and it wasn't until he had his third crack with the Dallas Mavericks that he started to find his footing as a coach.

If World Peace is serious about his coaching aspirations, then he probably needs to cut his teeth as an assistant and work his way up the ladder.