The New York Knicks might have their next small forward waiting on waivers as the Los Angeles Lakers might amnesty the mercurial Metta World Peace. World Peace will be owed $7.7 million and, as his long time friend Jose Morales pointed out, he would not mind playing for the Knicks.
Is this a surprise? This is the same man that always gives Queensbridge a shoutout. It would make sense for World Peace to have interest in playing for the Knicks since he grew up in Queensbridge, N.Y. As Morales points out, money also won't be an issue since the Lakers, if amnestied, would pay World Peace the money he is owed. The Knicks are currently trying to save money and World Peace would give them a boost on defense.
Not only can he help the defense, but his attitude fits New York perfectly. World Peace still makes dumb decisions at times, but he is a no-nonsense kind of guy. He'll hustle and is not afraid to commit hard fouls. Heck, having World Peace around would be a reminder of those days when the Knicks' lineup had scrappy players like Charles Oakley, who backed down from no challenge.
World Peace can make his presence felt on offense, however, he should be looked at more as a defensive specialist. While Carmelo Anthony is working hard on offense, World Peace can defend the opposing team's top player. This would allow Anthony to save his energy for the much needed offense the Knicks will need in the upcoming season. If the Knicks get desperate, then they can add World Peace to their three-point assault. In 2012-2013, World Peace was a 34 percent shooter, hitting 141-412 of his attempted threes. Offensively speaking, this stat fits the Knicks perfectly, but don't count on the soon to be 34-year-old's offense.
With World Peace, the Knicks can add defense, which will then apply less pressure on the offense. Iman Shumpert is great on defense and showed flashes of becoming an offensive player. Having World Peace and Shumpert in the starting lineup will boost the defense, not to mention if Tyson Chandler can return to his old form, then the defense will really look great.
World Peace averaged 12.4 points, five rebounds and 1.6 steals in 2013.
