Ron Artest, also known by his various names Metta World Peace, The Panda’s Friend and Metta Sandiford-Artest, is a former professional basketball player who played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He began his career with the Chicago Bulls and later played for the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
Artest won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004 and was named an NBA All-Star in 2004.
He was also part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won the NBA Championship in 2010.
Artest has been involved in several notable incidents, including the Malice at the Palace in 2004, which led to a suspension for the remainder of the season.
He has since reinvented himself as an advocate for mental health and has used his platform to raise awareness about the issue.
Age, height and weight
Artest was born on November 13, 1979.
He is 6 feet 7 inches tall (2.01 meters) and weighed 260 pounds (117 kilograms) when playing.
Ethnicity and nationality
Artest, also known as Metta World Peace, was born to Ron Artest Sr., a former amateur boxer, and Sarah Artest.
He has three siblings, including a younger brother, Isaiah, and two younger sisters.
His eldest son, Ron Artest III, has also gained attention for his basketball pursuits and is the second of four siblings.
Parents and siblings
Artest was born to Ron Artest Sr., a former amateur boxer, and Sarah Artest.
He has three siblings, including a younger brother, Isaiah, and two younger sisters.
His eldest son, Ron Artest III, has also gained attention for his basketball pursuits and is the second of four siblings.
Wife and children
Artest has been married twice. His first wife is Kimsha Hatfield, with whom he has three children: Sadie, Ron III, and another child.
After his divorce from Kimsha, he married Maya Sandiford-Artest, with whom he has been married since 2003. Together, they have at least one child.
Artest’s son, Ron Artest III, is also a basketball player, following in his father’s footsteps.
Artest III has shown promise in the sport, but he has also faced challenges, such as finding his own identity and passion for basketball.Â
Artest III has inherited his father’s size and athleticism, and he has been playing on the AAU summer circuit and is expected to be a major contributor to his high school team.
Career
Artest played for teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks.
He was born in Queens, New York, and grew up in a diverse urban environment.
Artest is known for his defensive prowess, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004.
He was also a member of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won the NBA Championship in 2010.
Artest’s career was marked by both success and controversy, including the infamous “Malice at the Palace” incident in 2004.
Despite these challenges, Artest has reinvented himself as an advocate for mental health and has used his platform to raise awareness about the issue.
Net worth
Artest has an estimated net worth of $30 million as of 2023.
His earnings come from his career as an NBA player, as well as from his ventures in reality television, acting and rapping.
FAQ
Who are Ron Artest’s parents and siblings?
Artest was born to Ron Artest Sr., a former amateur boxer, and Sarah Artest.
He has three siblings, including a younger brother, Isaiah and two younger sisters.
Who is Ron Artest’s wife and how many children does he have?
He has been married twice. His first wife is Kimsha Hatfield, with whom he has three children: Sadie, Ron III, and another child.
After his divorce from Kimsha, he married Maya Sandiford-Artest, with whom he has been married since 2003. Together, they have at least one child.
What is Ron Artest’s playing style?
Artest was known for his defensive prowess, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004.
He was also a capable scorer and could play multiple positions.
What is Ron Artest’s son, Ron Artest III, doing now?
Artest III is also a basketball player, following in his father’s footsteps.
He is currently a junior at Beverly Hills High School and is a budding two-star recruit.