Ronald William Artest, Jr. was born November 13, 1979 in Queensbridge, New York, USA. He is a professional basketball player (position: Small Forward), nicknamed "Ron-Ron", currently playing with the Houston Rockets of the NBA. Ron-Ron is known for his hard defense and his hard-to-handle attitude, which got him involved in the legendary Pacers-Pistons brawl (November 19, 2004). Ron Artest was drafted 1999 (16th pick overall) by the Chicago Bulls, where he played until he left for the Indiana Pacers in 2002. While with the Pacers he won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004. 2006 he left the franchise for the Sacramento Kings. In 2008 he joined his current team, the Houston Rockets. Artest's musical (hip hop) career took off October 31, 2006, when he released his debut album "My World" on [l=Lightyear] Records, where he worked with producer [a=Q Banga].
Drafted 16th in the first round by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 NBA Draft.
Received the longest suspension in NBA history - 86 games (73 regular season, 13 playoffs) for his involvement in the infamous "Palace Brawl" with Detroit Pistons fans on November 19, 2004. Teammates Jermaine ONeal and Stephen Jackson were also involved.
Has worn three numbers in the NBA, 15: thought his dad was that number (he was 51), 23 after Michael Jordan , and 91 after Dennis Rodman.
Attended LaSalle Academy in New York, NY.
Ron and Kimsha Artest had been in a relationship since 1994, when he was age 15, she age 14. They have 3 children together: Sadie Artest , Ron 3, and Diamond Artest.
Jennifer Palma is the mother of Rons son Jeron.
Grew up in the Queensbridge Public Housing Projects in New York.
Legally changed his name in September 2011 to Metta World Peace (his NBA jersey has World Peace on the back).
(August 14) Traded to the Houston Rockets.
(January 25) Traded to the Sacramento Kings for Peja Stojakovic.
