The Starbury Crescendo
[Bloghost note: Consider this a long-awaited update from the "End of an Error" blog from September.]
This will be one of the last blogs we will have to write about Fixer Nation's least-favorite subject, the Stephon Marbury Saga.
[Hang in there, Sec11...it's almost over.]
As we reported today, Stephon Marbury did not participate in Thursday's practice. There were other things we did hear but could not confirm last night, but today Starberman had the exclusive: Stephon was in with Donnie Walsh -- along with his public defender (a union rep) -- to begin discussions toward a buyout.
[Well, I guess that Newsday report in mid-September that said the Knicks were planning to buy out Marbury was, indeed, accurate all along.]
We'll see how long it takes at this point because Stephon likely was given permission to find another interested team, so that process has to begin. I might venture to suggest that Walsh may try to assist Marbury in this quest by reaching out to teams who may have the ability/need to sign him to the veteran's minimum. Then you can expect the Knicks to buy-out Marbury for the offset of the vet's min instead of the full $21.9 million.
But between the buyout and the new contract, from what I understand Marbury will not lose money on this deal. It's the same offer the Knicks planned to make a week before training camp, when waiving him was in the plans.
By the way, if anyone is listing the San Antonio Spurs as a possible destination, you should consider Spurs writer Mike Monroe's take in response to that story from earlier this week by Starbury's campaign manager:
The Spurs, of course, aren't allowed to say anything, good or bad, about a player on another team's roster. But take this to the bank, and consider it informed speculation: As long as Gregg Popovich and R.C. Buford are running the Spurs' basketball operations, you won't see Stephon Marbury in silver and black.
I am curious to see how many -- or how few -- teams get in line to sign Marbury. The Golden State Warriors could use some help and Stephen Jackson has made it no secret that he believed the Warriors would ink Stephon the minute he became a free agent. But I've heard Monta Ellis' rehab is progressing faster than scheduled and, quite frankly, no one really knows who is in charge right now with the Warriors. But that could be the first destination.
With Mike James so far a disappointment, New Orleans could use someone to backup Chris Paul and Marbury could also slide next to Paul as a two in some cases. And clearly the Memphis Grizzlies could use a point guard and at the veteran's minimum, it's a fairly cheap price to pay for instant upgrade over Mike Conley. But you already have a combo guard in OJ Mayo and adding Marbury's dominant personality might not be the best influence on Mayo.
In the East, you might think the Miami Heat could be another option, but that would have to come with the blessing from Dwyane Wade, who tends to dominate the ball in the fourth quarter. Some people have suggested the Celtics would sign him to back up Rajon Rondo, but I'm not so sure. You could argue that the team is so tight and the leadership structure there is so secure that Marbury would have no choice than to become a foot soldier who comes off the bench for offense. But if you're the Celtics, do you go there at this point?
Rule out Cleveland. LeBron isn't a fan. Scratch the Wizards, because they have Gilbert Arenas, who will eventually be back (and their needs are more interior-based). Atlanta certainly doesn't have a need with Mike Bibby playing so well and that team seems fine just as it is. The Nets? Only if they're trying to get Lawrence Frank fired. Scratch Charlotte and if you need to know why you're at the wrong blog. Indiana has TJ Ford and enough problems trying to deal with Jamaal Tinsley. The Sixers sure could use some outside shooting, but they're pretty jammed up at guard. Scratch Detroit, they just got Iverson. Forget the Bulls because it's Derrick Rose's team and they don't want anything to taint him.
Would Scott Skiles agree to a reunion with Marbury in Milwaukee? And how about Orlando? Would certainly help them off the bench, but if he winds up playing better than Jameer Nelson, you have a major decision to make. Stan Van Gundy is certainly capable of handling it, however.
Back to the West...Sacramento needs help everywhere and they always love shooters. The Clippers have Baron Davis but also could use shooters and, reports say the Baron is already at odds with Mike Dunleavy. Forget the Lakers. Forget the Rockets, Jazz, Nuggets and Trail Blazers. Forget the Mavericks...then again, Mark Cuban is renegade enough to go for it. Plus, he's always liked Marbury. And wouldn't it be fun to see Steph and Kidd on the same team? First question: Stephon, do you consider yourself the best point guard on the roster?
OK City won't bother. So who does that leave us with?
Oh, right. Minnesota.
Ah yes. Full circle. Karma.
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Comments (18)
I think I hear trumpets from angels...or it could just be all NYers honking their horns in unison for the day of reckoning is upong us!
or "upon" us...in English!
In the words of Chris Farley, "Ohhh, Son of a..."
or "upon" us...in English!
In the words of Chris Farley, "Ohhh, Son of a..."
steff to mavericks...
AR,
From the previous post.........
If we put Dannillo on IR, we still cannot sign PE Jr.. He would still count as a roster spot.
AR,
From the previous post.........
If we put Dannillo on IR, we still cannot sign PE Jr.. He would still count as a roster spot.
I really wish him the best, even though I blame him in part for the last few terrible seasons.
The prodigal son story was pushed on him, and it really was never going to have a happy ending. Not with his own immaturity, the lack of team leadership, the organization's short patience for head coaches, and Isiah's inability to put together a team that could play to his skill set.
Hopefully, at least, this opens a spot for a better fit as the "son" of the organization.
I remember the day my co-worker told me we traded for Marbury. After my initial throw up in the mouth, I realized it was good news--because as difficult as the next several years will be, I knew that history says that once Marbury leaves a team, they will greatly improve, and he had to leave at some point, right? Even if it took the length of his bloated contract, he would at some point leave, right? And we'd finally be a decent team. And guess what? Here we are today! LET'S GO KNICKS!
Marbury, please go to another team and bring your eventual blessings on them as well.
Someone should remind Walsh that players aren't bought out in the NBA...
Seriously though, Alan raises an important point in trying to figure out who exactly would take Marbury, even at a bargain basement rate. It has been well documented over his career that even teams "in need of a point guard" don't improve when they put the ball in his hands. Realistically, who in the NBA will actually get better with him? It would have to be someone godawful like the Wolves to see him as an upgrade, although for a cheap one-year rental, a team like the Kings might roll the dice. Especially with Martin out. Any team that does also needs a coach in a strong position with the support of management as well, since Marbury has proven himself adept at exploiting organizational weaknesses. Do Whitman or Theus pass this test? I just hope someone wants him enough to speed his way out of NY asap.
Lives - picking up from the last post re. Duhon. I think you are right about us using different yardsticks. I'm still a bit giddy over seeing a Knicks guard exhibit the rudiments of point guard play. Putting aside the upgrade over recent seasons, they are just rudiments, and I agree with you that he is no long term mainstay on a contender. I did mention, for that matter, that he is no second coming of Chris Paul. But he is a real point guard, and in the short term, I'll take it, with the hope of further upgrades down the road. Hope you enjoyed your game.
Marbury, you will be missed.
Stephon Marbury: 21 Million $
Jason Kidd: 21 Million $
Who's the best point guard on the Dallas Mavericks? : PRICELESS
Harlem,
He'll be missed ? By who ?
MARBURY WILL BE MISS.. ILL MISS HIM..ANYBODY THAT THINKS WERE GONNA WINA CHAMPIONSHIP NOW THAT HES GONE IS WRONG.. WHATS THE BIG DEAL.. I RESPECT MARBURY FOR THE SIMPLE FACT THAT NOBODY ELSE IN THIS 4 YEARS HAS TAKEN MORE BLAME THAN HIM.. HE ACCEPTS EVERYTHING WHETHER ITS HIS FAULT OR NOT.. CRAWFORD? RICHARDSON? CURRY? THEY LET HIM DOWN ON A NIGHTLY BASIS..WAY MORE THAN STEPH DID IN PHEONIX
why not OKC?
Ewing never deserved the crap he took in the media...Star-Baby deserves every bit of what he's getting right now.
why do you care? talk about zach randolph. talk about nate. takj about chandler. public defender? when has marbury ever been charged with a crime? stereotypes never die...And you're a nerdy, short, pale face, beat writer, how do you cover a sport and you could never, NEVER play the sport, attract women, or understand what any of these players go thru? I take offense to you and your loser newspaper's slight on Marbury. No wonder your Paper is NO WHERE IN NYC TO PURCHASE IT. hahahahahaha. So you losers drive/commute all the way the city, to be bitter about a millionaire who doesn't know you exist.
Starbury should not go anywhere. Everyone is going to regret losing this talent before the end of this year. Why cut a player who you own money 2 anyways. I have never understood that. Marbury should get time and everyone in NYC knows it. Crawford, Robinson, Chandler or Duhon could get injuried before the year is up and where would the Knicks be ? they would have no depth and with him he gives them a great player to come off the bench...Why sit him, put him on the inactive list, and make his life hell....Why did D'Antoni even give him minutes in preseason then? Regardless I feel like the knicks treat their stars poorly, I hope starbury stays, but regardless he is still the Superstar from brooklyn with a heart of gold...I'll only say goodbye if he really goes people!!
The comments by "geethe steph fan" are very telling as to why people care. The underlying reason is perceived racism. A black player being ostracized by a white owner , GM and coach. Adding to this conception is the awkward handling of the situation in the beginning. This has little to do with basketball.There is a lot of hate out there of the pale face.
Personally I see no great impact if Marbury plays or not in this new D'Antonio system. It's early into the season but I think Duhon so far is a better fit. His assists to turnover ratio is excellent and he is a better defender than Steph. Also there is no denying that Steph is not liked by his teammates and is overpayed.
So from a basketball sense there i think there is no reason to care about Marbury if you are a Knick fan.