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Around SBN: The Amateur Mathematics Of Linsanity

MILWAUKEE — Their roster depleted by trades and injuries, the Knicks finally needed Stephon Marbury to play Friday night. But when they asked, Marbury refused, driving a deeper wedge between him and Coach Mike D’Antoni.

The Knicks had only eight players healthy and present for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks — the minimum number allowed under N.B.A. rules. Marbury had to dress just to avoid a forfeit.

D’Antoni offered Marbury more than that. After the Knicks traded guard Jamal Crawford and two other players in the afternoon, D’Antoni said he approached Marbury and offered him 30 to 35 minutes of playing time. Marbury, who had spent 10 straight games on the inactive list, declined.

"When the trades went down this afternoon, I said, ‘Look Steph, one of the principals are gone, Jamal Crawford. There’s 30-35 minutes out there, and they’re yours if you want them. Are you ready to go?’ " D’Antoni said.

According to D’Antoni, Marbury replied that he "wasn’t comfortable with the situation, and he did not want to play. So at that point, I go, ‘O.K., that’s your decision, and that’s fine.’ That’s it."

The Knicks kept the game close for one half Friday but fatigue set in and they were routed, 104-87, and fell to 6-6.

D’Antoni seemed perturbed by Marbury’s decision. For the first time, he referred to the Marbury saga as a distraction.

Marbury was vague, but he did not deny D’Antoni’s version of the events.

"The only thing I’m at liberty to say is that I was told that they were moving forward and" — Marbury then took a long pause — "I’m not the person that chooses who plays and who doesn’t. That’s the only thing that I’m able to say."

Asked if he refused to play, Marbury repeated, "That’s the only thing that I’m able to say."

The consequences of Marbury’s refusal are not yet clear. D’Antoni said he did not consider it insubordination and insisted, "I’m not mad at Steph; I understand."

But the episode might prompt team officials to banish Marbury from games and practices until his fate is settled. Marbury has had preliminary talks with the team president Donnie Walsh about a buyout, but no deal is imminent.

Marbury has been fuming since opening night, when he was on the active roster but did not play. He went on the inactive list two nights later — at his own request, according to D’Antoni — and remained there until Friday.

"I thought it was an opportunity for him to play, and I was kind of hoping," D’Antoni said. "But at the same time, there’s consideration of a lot of guys in that locker room that are giving their hearts out. And those are the guys that I’m going to go on with, and those are the guys that I’m going to love, and those are the guys that are going to compete every night."

about 3 years ago Tiny Big D 12 comments 0 recs  | 

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as crazy as steph is

can’t say i blame him here. they wouldn’t even let him practice at his alma mater. i wouldn’t want to suit up for them either.

by Jaina on Nov 22, 2008 11:30 AM CST reply actions  

Agreed.

And a side note, I can’t believe the Knicks are 6-6. How??

by smash! on Nov 22, 2008 12:28 PM CST up reply actions  

Well they were 6-3 at one point

They have the talent, and D’Antoni is smart enough to bury Curry and Marbury on the bench, and play their young guys (Robinson, Chandler, Lee) a lot of minutes.

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 22, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Simple, look at the schedule

They have wins over:

Miami
Charlotte
Washington
Utah (without Deron Williams)
Memphis
Oklahoma City

Not exactly a murderer’s row of opponents there. The D’antoni excitement will probably settle down as their schedule get a little tougher.

by CJ Bulls on Nov 22, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions  

Not to mention they traded their 2 most talented players

For Al Harrington, Cuttino Mobley, and Tim Thomas. They will get their 2010 cap space, but the Knicks took a severe step backwards this season.

Their starting lineup will be Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Q Richardson, Harrington, and David Lee. I don’t care who coaches that team, it’s not very good.

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 22, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Man its hard to fathom

Why would Lebron want to go to NY exactly?? Endorsements are great I know, but how do you win with these scrubs?? Even if his bff Bosh comes to join him…who are the other three starters??

NY HAS to plan on tanking this year. They have to be hoping for another young talent to tout as his sidekick. Right?

Asked what kind of player he expects to be in the next five years, he said: "Not a star, but like, a superstar. Something around, like, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, something like that."

by BigBenign on Nov 23, 2008 12:30 AM CST up reply actions  

You kind of answered your question

The Knicks will not make the playoffs this year, barring some crazy circumstance where Chris Duhon becomes the greatest PG alive. They will get another solid lottery pick, (perhaps they luck out like us and are able to get Derozan or Rubio, Jennings).

My problem is I don’t think James will care about their young nucleus of talent. Chandler, Lee, Galinari, (and random lottery pick) may look good, but that doesn’t win a title. LeBron is ready to win now. He’s good enough to take this Cleveland team to the Finals, so unless the Knicks are able to pursue another big FA in 2010 (or even try and get Boozer or Joe Johnson next year) I don’t think he goes.

by Ozzie Montana on Nov 23, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions  

if they get two 2010 guys...

…2 steps back, 10 steps forward.

It’s a vision; it’s a plan. It’s flawed and risky, but it’s still something the Bulls don’t have.

Viva la nuance! Reading comprehension rules!!!

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions  

He's under contract

Marbury may not be playing, but that doesn’t mean he can go play basketball wherever he wants. He needs team discretion or he can just tear up his contract if he likes.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 22, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Also, this will harm his NBA Players Union argument that he should be bought out

Here the Knicks ask him to play and he refuses.

This is still the Knicks. The same Knicks that tried to claim Larry Brown was fired for insubordination for answering questions from the media without a MSG press minder overseeing the presser. The MSG guys are still there, but Walsh seems to have most of the control.

In a trust with Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Nov 22, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions  

I wonder if they could try to void his contract

I’m pretty sure the standard NBA player contract says that you have to play when the team tells you to play. I doubt it would hold up in court, but maybe they could use it as leverage to get him to take a buyout.

Why resort to name calling?
-Dionysus2.0

because I wish to insult you personally
-your friendly BullsBlogger

by Big D on Nov 22, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions  

Well from my point of view they didn't tell him to play. They told him to dress

which he did. D’stashe said he told him that there is 30-35 min. out there if you want them. Starbury said f-that since he had a choice and I commend him for this action. Although not all of his actions should be commended.

by Ibleedbullsred on Nov 24, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions  

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