Metta World Peace says whatever team he is on is in championship mentality

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Metta World Peace says he joined the Knicks to win a championship but admits it was a 'risky goal.'

BOSTON-The world according to Metta World Peace can be amusing, confusing but never boring. And with the Queensbridge product possibly on his way to Toronto, the player formerly known as Ron Artest was as entertaining as ever in what could be his farewell address as a Knick.

"My goal is to win a ring," he said Friday. "Wherever that is, whether it's in New York or whether it's in another city, my goal is just to win a second ring. Actually, the reason I came to New York was because I wanted to try to win a ring in New York. That was the only reason to try to win the ring here. That's my goal. My goal has never changed. It was a risky goal."

Metta, who won a title with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, signed a free agent contract with the Knicks last July. He's been linked to the Toronto Raptors in a deal that could be completed as early as Sunday.

"Listen, whatever team I'm on is never rebuilding," he said. "When you get Metta World you're officially championship mentality when you get World Peace.

"When you take on the challenge some things are out of your control. That's not something that you worry about. You can't worry about when you go to work and your boss moves your desk. It is what it is. Your desk is moved and he wants you to work on this side. I'm in a similar situation. My desk has been moved from playing to on the bench, but it's okay."

Metta, who did not play in Friday night's 90-86 loss to the Celtics, added that he correctly predicted that wherever he ended up this season would be an "adventure" for him.

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"All the teams that called me last year I wanted something that was going to be an adventure, something different," he said. "China, Knicks and Arena Football. That was it. What else is an adventure? You know what I'm saying?"

SHUMP SOLDIERS ON Iman Shumpert was in the starting lineup despite suffering a bruised knee in Wednesday's win over Chicago. Shumpert has had left knee surgery twice over the past two seasons.

"I'm just sick of all the little nick-knack injuries," he said.

Shumpert played 23 minutes against the Celtics and scored three points on 1-for-8 shooting and had five rebounds.

Knicks return home to face Atlanta tonight, their third meeting this season against the Hawks.

Former Knicks' first-round pick Walter McCarty is an assistant coach on Brad Stevens' staff.