12 People who turned their backs on the Bulls

8. Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest) has been one of the league’s more controversial players in recent history. World Peace was a 3-and-D player before the term was invented, as he made four All-Defensive teams and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2003-04, while also making the All-Star team.

The Bulls originally drafted him outside of the lottery in 1999 and he became a starter as a rookie, averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals. Year two was much of the same, on the court, as he averaged 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

On the court, it seemed as if the Bulls had landed a potential cornerstone, as he was a tenacious defender who didn’t back down from anyone.

Off the court, he was just as fearless, which caused problems for the Bulls.

World Peace explained it himself.

“I was young (in 1999) and a lot of that was a blur. When I was with the Bulls I was very dysfunctional. It was a short stay, 2 1/2 years. I kind of overwore my welcome. I was just too young at that time. I had tried to get back. It was a place where I wouldn’t have minded kind of playing again, but sometimes it’s just too late.”

He added, “I’m not going to sugarcoat myself. For what? I’ve done things I shouldn’t have done as a young kid and it is what it is.”

The last line makes it difficult to detect the remorse.

World Peace also admitted to drinking during games during his Chicago days.

"I used to drink Hennessy at halftime. I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it."

No wonder it didn’t work out.

The Bulls traded him after two and a half seasons and never looked back.