Playing 17 seasons in the NBA, mostly for other teams, did not dampen Metta World Peace's love of the Knicks.
The Queens native and St. John's product, who was born Ron Artest, told WFAN's "Boomer and Gio" show Friday that "orange and blue is in my blood" and he was "very" disappointed he didn't get to play for the Knicks earlier in his career.
"I felt like it was a missed opportunity for both parties," he said. "Just imagine 23-year-old Ron Artest in New York City. I was in my prime, on my way, I was an All-Star. And New York is about defense, and I play defense (and) I'm from New York City.
World Peace did have the opportunity to play for the Knicks in 2013-14 when he was 34 years old and past his prime. But he was released after playing in just 29 games.
He also played for the Bulls, Pacers, Kings, Rockets and Lakers, winning a title with Los Angeles in 2010.
Now retired, World Peace, 39, is rooting for the Knicks, who haven't won a championship since 1973, to break through.
"I'm a big fan of New York, and I'm waiting for the time that we can get a championship," he said. "I really would love to see that."
World Peace is the subject of a documentary, "Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story," that debuts at 10 p.m. Friday on Showtime. The film chronicles Artest's career on the court as well as his struggles with depression and anxiety off it.
"That's what I'm mostly proud about. I'm not as proud about being back in the public, but I'm really proud about the message," he said.
To listen to the interview, in which World Peace also discusses the Malice at the Palace, NBA free agency this summer and more, click on the audio player above.
