The 10-year anniversary of the Malice in the Palace will be this coming Wednesday. In conjunction with one of the most infamous moments in NBA history, Metta World Peace will publish his book, "The Untold Story of the Malice at the Palace."
While promoting the book, World Peace spoke with the New York Post where the 35-year-old revealed why he believes he is playing with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association, instead of helping head coach Derek Fisher teach the rest of the New York Knicks how to master the nuances of the Triangle Offense. The man formerly known as Ron Artest believes his departure from the Knicks was the result of being "too direct," especially during one incident where MWP approached J.R. Smith about playing harder on defense.
“I don’t understand why they didn’t [sign] me,’’ World Peace said. “But then again, I’m very direct. I think I was too direct in the locker room, too direct to J.R. Smith. It wasn’t from a bad place. I’m older, been on great teams in Sacramento and L.A.
“If someone is not playing defense or not giving effort, that’s my specialty. I don’t hold back on my words. Nobody wants to talk direct to them. We don’t give it to them straight.
“I said some things directly to J.R. Smith in the locker room and he challenged me back, said some direct things to me. But he understood where we came from.”
The New York Post's Marc Berman asserts that even though MWP was dealing with a swollen knee last season, when he was healthy, former head coach Mike Woodson sided with playing Smith, who he viewed as the son he never had. World Peace consistently used this "direct" approach throughout his tenure with the Knicks, whether he was speaking to owner James Dolan or "the most underrated superstar in the league," Carmelo Anthony.
According to World Peace, on one occasion, owner James Dolan walked into the film room for a bull session. World Peace said he was the only player to speak up about why the team was in disarray.
“You don’t hold nothing back when things are going wrong,’’ World Peace said. “You have to tell Melo [Carmelo Anthony] when he’s being lazy. You have to speak about these things, so when the playoffs come, everyone knows where everybody stands.’’
World Peace hopes to get a chance with a contending team when he returns from China in March. However, if that situation doesn't arise, you will catch him sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden that same month. He has already purchased the tickets.
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[via New York Post]
