NBA player Metta World Peace poses at the IMAGINE Ball LA Benefit Concert in West Hollywood, California August 6, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Rumors are still swirling whether the former NBA defensive player of the year has been abandoned by the CBA newcomer Sichuan Blue Whales due to his absence and under-performing results. The club is meanwhile keeping mum except for explaining that the CBA’s most expensive international was temporarily out due to recurrent knee concerns.

But there are two things: The club manager has ruled out the near future substitute of Peace World for his replacement player – former Orlando Magic player Daniel Orton; the former Los Angeles star center has shown his interest in the Philippine Basketball Association through his official Twitter account.