Ron Artest New Sneakers: Would You Play Basketball In These Shoes? [POLL]

The man formerly known as Ron Artest, and soon, Metta World Peace, is at it again. His latest moment of madness comes from his new self-marketing push as he starts the next chapter of his basketball career playing in China. Taking a page from Stephon Marbury, who has become a super star in China, Artest has announced that he will change his name to “The Panda’s Friend” when he begins his career in the Chinese Basketball Association playing for the Sichuan Blue Whales in November.

In addition to the name change, Artest has unveiled his new line of panda bear shoes that he will be playing in next season. The shoes which come in black and white feature the head and arms of a plush panda bear on the tongue and sides of the shoe. The shoes are available through www.mettaworldpeace.com for $79.99

Artest last played for the New York Knicks at the start of the 2013 NBA season before he was released by the team in February of this year. After his old friend Phil Jackson took over the team, he tried to get back on the Knicks, but it appears Jackson and no other NBA team for that matter was interested in Artest’s services and off the court issues. Artest instead opted to play in China where he will make $1.43 million dollars next season.

In addition to the panda bear sneakers, (which Artest claims he will play every game in), you can also purchase t-shirts and other merchandise from his website, including shirts with the slogan “Acknowledge me please,” and “I Wanna thank my Psychiatrist,” Artest’s famous quote after winning the NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010.