More of the great debate
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- March
- 5
Let’s keep the conversation going, there are some valid points on both sides of this argument.
I still believe Stephon Marbury is a relevant topic because the way an organization treats a player who was brought in to boost sagging morale and declining ratings contributes to a wicked image problem. Marbury is no angel. Do you think it would have been smarter for somebody in the chain of command to admit Isiah Thomas made a mistake bringing the Brooklyn native home and bought Marbury out back in November?
Everybody walks away with some dignity.
What’s your free agent fantasy? Think a couple of years down the road. What are the chances LeBron James comes to the rescue if he believes the Knicks will make him a scapegoat if another season falls apart?
I’m thinking slim and none.
So this is very important stuff. And if you want to make it about basketball, Marbury is under contract for one more season. What if they decide to ride this out, then shop his expiring deal in June before the draft? It’s a move that could add some $21 million in contracts, and it’s unlikely they will all be short-term.
A buyout makes a lot of sense.
That’s why the conversation remains the same. It would be nice to have some answers going forward.
Marbury was apparently here at shoot-around this morning, and Thomas actually entertained four questions about the rehabbing playmaker. It doesn’t sound like they bumped into each other in the hallways, although several people here suggested there are very few places to hide in the building.
A formal interview request was declined by Marbury.
Thomas believes the source of controversy will be on hand tonight for the game against Cleveland, whether or not he speaks is unclear.
Eddy Curry talked a little about the latest soap opera. He’s keeping friendship separate from controversy.
“You definitely got to separate the two, especially since I don’t read to much into everything that’s going on,” Curry said. “I’ve never seen him physically talking to (James) Dolan, anything negative, or Isiah. He always treats us well, especially me, so I keep it separate.”
Zach Randolph says he’s ready to rock and roll tonight against Cleveland. His words. Not mine. Renaldo Balkman is dealing with back spasms and has been for a couple of days. That’s why he’s been sprawled out on the floor of late. Balkman is questionable.
Jerome James … never mind. That’s a topic long ago rendered pointless.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 1:01 pm by Mike Dougherty.
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Sorry Mike. None of your arguments as to why we should care about the Marbury saga makes any sense.
Do you seriously believe any free agent is going to make up his mind based on this episode? First, I am not aware of any sentiment among players around the league that the Knicks do not treat their players well. In fact, that SI hit piece on Dolan last year didn’t turn up a single player, either on or off the record, who complained about the way Dolan treated him. It was all positive from the players. No wonder. If I played for the Knicks I’d be delighted that they limited press access so carefully. Which brings me to . . .
Second, free agents are much much much more likely to make their nonmonetary decision on how the media and the fans of New York treat “savior” free agents. Short answer: poorly on both counts. Remember those reports about how Phil Jackson, eight years ago, said he would never ever coach the Knicks? It wasn’t because of MSG management. It was the thought of dealing with the New York media. Vipers, I believe he called them.
Third, and least, even LeBron himself recognizes that Stephon appears to be in the wrong here. He said so early in the season that he would not want to be teammates with a guy like Stephon.
As for whether a buyout or a trade of Marbury makes sense, ok fine. That’s a perfectly interesting topic but what does it have to do with whether or not Marbury comes to games or practices?
In fact, who would have even noticed that Marbury wasn’t around if the media didn’t insist on harping about it?
Thank you Marc R.
Please relay the message to Isola and Berman.
As for Mike, i like the guy.
oh also, relay the message to ESPN’s chris sheridan
I think the Marbury situation is another example of the disfunctional situation at the garden. When he jetted from the team I certainly wanted him suspended or at least benched. That was the time to do something. Now is not the time to throw him under the bus. His dad died, at the garden, while he was being booed, and playing his old team, the Suns, who are now a championship team, as a direct result of getting him out of town. Now he’s rehabbing a season ending injury. I am not his biggest fan but hasn’t he paid enough?
The reason it’s relevant is that it shows what a creep Isiah really is. Have you ever heard a coach refer to a star player, with a year left on his deal, who is out with an injury, in the past tense? This is when we let bygones be bygones, moron. Get mad at someone who lets their man get free while they’re whining about a call. Oh, of course, unless it’s one of your favorites, in which case tell them they don’t have to pass. It’s obvious that Isiah either likes you or not and reality has nothing much to do with it. We need him gone before anything will get better.
I should say, the Suns are contenders for a title, or at least they were until they got Shaq. They should think about picking up Shawn Marion as a free agent this summer. They could use a player like him. Oh wait, they’re capped out! What a pity.
The only thing I care to hear about Marbury is if/when he is bought out or if they decide to keep him or trade him. I like sports, not soap operas.
Ive been saying this all season but Marbury although talented has been one of the greatest distractions to a team and organization Ive seen ever.Its going on three years now where the teams highest paid player has some drama with the coach and is not delivering. From Larry brown to being out of shape this year to the intern to the crazy youtube videos to going awol to suddenly needing surgery to whether or not sit on the bench.But nobody will ever think this stuff effects the team ….......