Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Ron Artest, also known later in his career as Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Metta World Peace):

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Ronald William Artest Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born November 13, 1979
  • Hometown: Queensbridge, New York
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters)
  • Weight: 244 lbs (111 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters)
  • Shoe Size: 15 (U.S.)
  • Jersey Numbers: Wore #15, #23, #37, #91, and #96 at different points in his career
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • High School:
    • La Salle Academy (New York, New York)
  • College:
    • St. John’s University (1997–1999)
    • Achievements: Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1999
  • NBA Draft
    • Draft Year: 1999
    • Draft Position: 16th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls
  • Teams Played For
    1. Chicago Bulls (1999–2002)
    2. Indiana Pacers (2002–2006)
    3. Sacramento Kings (2006–2008)
    4. Houston Rockets (2008–2009)
    5. Los Angeles Lakers (2009–2013, 2015–2017)
    6. New York Knicks (2013–2014)
    7. Sichuan Blue Whales (China, 2014–2015)
  • Championship Rings
    • NBA Championships: 1
      • Won with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2010
  • Kids: Has four children, including daughters Sadie and Diamond, and sons Jeron and Ron III
  • Siblings: Has multiple siblings, including a brother, Daniel Artest, who also played professional basketball overseas

Player Archetype / Play Style

Ron Artest’s player archetype was that of a bruising two-way wing stopper: a powerful, hard-nosed perimeter forward who could take the top assignment defensively while still giving an offense secondary scoring, straight-line drives, post-up strength, and timely shot-making. At his best, he worked as an on-ball defensive enforcer who could guard elite wings in isolation, disrupt actions with strength, quick hands, and sharp anticipation, and bring a physical edge that changed matchups. Offensively, he was never built around finesse, but he could create enough with the ball, bully smaller defenders, hit spot-up jumpers, and stabilize possessions with a rugged, workmanlike style. Physically, Artest stood out for his strong frame, toughness, lateral mobility, and the kind of upper-body strength that let him absorb contact and play through it, making his overall style feel equal parts controlled force, defensive intellect, and chaos. (NBA)

Sources:

NBA.com — Q&A: Metta Sandiford-Artest on his toughest cover, Kia MVP chase & more
Bleacher Report — Can Metta World Peace Actually Help an NBA Contender?
Bleacher Report — How Ron Artest Became the Los Angeles Lakers’ First Line of Defense
Bleacher Report — Ron Artest Making His Mark in the NBA Playoffs