Learning to think pass first is just as big a challenge for Marbury and Crawford, who had the freedom last season to look for their own shot or run pick-and-roll plays for forward Kurt Thomas, who was traded to Phoenix for Richardson in June. Brown wants to put Marbury in more of a shooting guard role at times and let Crawford do the ballhandling, but that could create defensive problems for Marbury against some of the NBA's best two-guards.

Scoffing at the mention of possible matchup problems, Brown said of Marbury, "We don't know if he's going to start or not. Who knows how much he's going to play? I ain't worried about it right now. All we're worrying about is getting everybody ready. I'm really encouraged by how he's playing. He's practiced great. He gets better every day."

Brown hasn't yet named his starting lineup for the opener Wednesday at Boston, but it's impossible to imagine Marbury coming off the bench. Crawford is another story.

Richardson is out tonight with a hamstring injury, but if he's healthy for the opener, Brown said he won't hesitate to play him. Ultimately, Richardson could start at either small forward or two-guard. If Brown is concerned about matchup problems at forward, he might start Richardson at guard with Marbury, bring Crawford off the bench and use Robinson sparingly.

"With our team, I can look at Jamal backing up Stephon," Brown said. "When Nate's in the game, let Nate guard the point guard and Jamal guard the two. But I don't want to put too much on Nate right off the bat."

Crawford has fewer turnovers than Marbury or Robinson despite averaging a team-high 30 minutes per game in preseason. He also has cut back considerably on his three-point shooting while looking to get the ball inside.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/ny-spknix1028,0,1223642.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines

LB wanting to coach Craw/Nate has shocked the civilized world! Even coming from coaching a team full of proven players, of course those 2 would appeal.

Brown is a sculptor. Craw and Nate = volcanic clay.

you left out the most interesting part of the article:

Notes & quotes: A Western Conference personnel expert confirmed reports that the Knicks have offered veteran power forward Malik Rose to Portland as part of a deal for small forward Darius Miles. The Trail Blazers don't want Rose's long-term deal but are interested in the expiring contract of Antonio Davis . . . If the Knicks want immediate backcourt help, Indiana backup point guard Anthony Johnson might be available.