The New York Knicks shocked the masses when ESPN's Shams Charania reported that they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks did this shortly after the Indiana Pacers eliminated them in the Eastern Conference finals.
The move was quite shocking, seeing as the Knicks just had their most successful playoff run since the year 2000, and Thibodeau had his most successful playoff run as a head coach. All that remains is knowing who Thibodeau's replacement will be.
The Knicks could turn to an assistant coach on the staff, or they could look for a veteran hire, like the recently fired Michael Malone or Taylor Jenkins. They could also hire a completely new face to call the shots. One hypothetical coach who fits that description is Los Angeles Lakers champion Metta Sandiford-Artest.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and forward Metta World Peace (15)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) and forward Metta World Peace (15)
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sandiford-Artest, known as Ron Artest and then Metta World Peace during his playing days, made his case via his X account for why he should be Thibodeau's replacement as the Knicks' head coach.
"I want every bit of the smoke in NYC," Sandiford-Artest wrote. "I’m 100% in and ready to HEAD COACH the great (Knicks). Queens bred. Dominated my Highschool era. Three championship at the Rucker and never lost one at Rucker. 3 Championships at the real Gershwin when there was no security. Lots more on the NYC front... Sorry. But light work. Metta is ready for the city. #thecityismine."
Sandiford-Artest had another post on his case for the job.
"Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the @nyknicks," he posted. "Since 1999 this was suppose to happen. I’ve never ran from the city. When all the top players left NYC because it was hard, I went to @StJohnsBBall. I wanted to be drafted by the Knicks, I seemed to be the only one un-afraid of the city. I’m built to challenge the city. I’m the number one guy for the job. And I have 360degree experience."
Sandiford-Artest played for the Lakers from 2009 to 2013, then again from 2015 to 2017. He won a title in his first year with the Lakers in 2010. In between his Lakers stints, Sandiford-Artest played for the Knicks during the 2013-14 season.