Metta World Peace Will Have New Name on Jersey but Needs to Change His Antics

The transformation is complete. Ron Artest is now Metta World Peace in thought and on jersey. Now if we can just get him to reinvent his court skills. 

I am coming from a point of love and affection for ol' Ron-Ron. You see, the man is a delight from a fan's perspective. 

He gives each and every game a level of excitement because you have no idea what he is going to do with the ball. More often than not, it's something quite awful and we have a good laugh at his expense. Well, that time is over. 

With a new name comes an much needed image change. I will accept Metta World Peace as long as I get old school Ron Artest on the court. 

CNBC's Darren Rovell tweeted the final piece to the name change puzzle on Thursday. 

Fine. I can get with World Peace suiting up in the starting lineup. In fact, I rather like it from a hysterically wild perspective. I can stand the crazy as long as it comes with mad ball skills. 

For the last two seasons, the Lakers have been waiting for the return on their investment. World Peace has seen his production slide to mediocre levels. I would argue that his defense has drastically slid as well, showing up at brief moments. 

It is those moments that you remember how marvelous World Peace was as a ball player, not a character. He has changed into a caricature that people love because of his postgame interviews. I would gladly admit I am one of them. 

I will also admit that players are going to slow as they age. However, his fall from 17.1 points per game with Houston to 8.5 last season is unacceptable. So is the fact that every other stat worth mentioning has taken a hit. 

I get that stats will falter on a star-studded team, but you have to see the games to know that World Peace is not all there. 

Have you ever seen a pro dribble like he picked up the game a few months prior? How about one that is far more likely to dribble the ball off his foot rather than start a fast break? Well, if you have, then you have seen Artest in a Lakers jersey. 

My hope is that World Peace looks far more different in the purple and gold duds. Perhaps a name change is just what this guy needs to get his head on straight. 

A new personae leads to brighter futures. At least, that's the hope. All I know is I am rather tired of seeing Ron Artest in a Lakers jersey. I am glad we will get something new this season. 

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