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New York Knicks should actually consider signing Stephon Marbury

By Ed Easton Jr.

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Stephon Marbury
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Stephon Marbury /
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Stephon Marbury has made himself available for any team interested in his services. Could a reunion with the New York Knicks be on the horizon?

I know it may seem odd and in some cases unbelievable to imagine Stephon Marbury back in the NBA after almost a decade in China. However, the former two-time NBA All-Star could have plenty more to give to the league at 40 years of age, believing he can still be a productive player at the point guard position.

Marbury was the fourth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks before being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves moments later in exchange for Ray Allen. His aggressive style on and off the court made him a very popular player through the late ’90s and early 2000s,  consistently making highlight plays and producing great numbers at his position. His versatility as a powerful point guard with great court vision led to impressive NBA career averages of 19.3 points and 7.6 assists per game.

He made several stops in his career that included the New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics and his hometown club the New York Knicks. The trade to New York during the 2003-04 season gave new hope to the franchise during its struggles, eventually providing some thrilling moments and a playoff appearance in 2004. The hometown love did not last long, as the team shuffled through several coaches while Marbury faced issues on and off the court.

After five statistically successful seasons in New York and sporting averages of 18 points and seven assists per game, Marbury was released, ending his Knicks career. A rebirth took place shortly thereafter, as the Brooklyn, New York native made the decision to continue his career in China and play in the CBA.

Marbury became a six-time CBA All-Star and three-time league champion, becoming a phenomenon in the country and drawing praises similar to Michael Jordan during his career in the NBA.

Seven years have passed and Marbury has that itch to end his playing career where it all began in the NBA. Many teams wouldn’t take this seriously considering his age, but it’s fair to recognize that Marbury could serve as a valuable veteran presence for young point guards.

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The Knicks currently have a strong need for another veteran point guard to mentor young talents such as Ron Baker and Frank Ntilikina. The veteran Marbury still has plenty left athletically and his wisdom could be very critical for the Knicks in their youth development.

Those wondering whether Marbury would be welcomed back to the Knicks should look no farther then his appearance at Madison Square Garden during a game earlier this year. The franchise has welcomed him back and he’s still very popular among fans in the city, constantly responding to questions via social media.

He understands the history of not seeing eye-to-eye with Knicks management and can offer advice to current stars like Carmelo Anthony. Marbury expressed this in a interview recently, sharing his opinion on Anthony’s issues with Knicks management last season.

"“It’s New York — it comes with it, If you can’t deal with it, you leave. If you lose, they talk about you. When you win, they love you. Real New Yorkers know that. He’s handled it great. I don’t think he should seek a new home. From what I hear, he wants to play basketball here.”"

I can see Marbury becoming a bench guy whose real worth will be in practice and on the road with the young Knicks backcourt.

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He would definitely be signing for the veteran’s minimum and is a safer pick than Jarrett Jack, as Marbury wants to think long about building relationships for a front office career after his career. Consider Marbury a player/coach that has experienced it all in his long-playing career.

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