WALT: HUSH, STEPH!
November 20, 2005 -- Knick legend Walt Frazier was unsure how the Stephon Marbury/Larry Brown marriage would wind up — but he never expected to see a fissure develop before the club got out of November.

According to Clyde, Marbury voicing his displeasure with his role in Brown's structured offense Thursday was unbecoming of a captain.

"It was just eight games," Frazier said. "After 20 games, maybe you can make an evaluation. He's got to be patient. It's too early to be saying that."

The Knicks return home to the Garden today versus Portland a 2-7 mess. They finished 2-4 on the 11-day Western marathon that saw Brown and Marbury feud over the point guard's role and the Knick coach speak out about the roster's flaws.

Marbury's status is dropping. Brown benched him for the final 6:31 of Friday's loss in Denver and gave an indication the Knick guard may wind up on the pine frequently. Marbury also sat the final 3:31 in L.A.

When Marbury took a seat Friday after scoring just two points in a lethargic second half, the Knicks trailed by 13 points.

With the "Kid Unit" featuring energetic rookies Channing Frye, David Lee and Nate Robinson on the floor, the Knicks rallied to within seven with 1:51 left.



Only two missed free throws by Jamal Crawford with 1:31 left kept them from getting within five.

"They always come with effort," Brown said afterward. "We got six young ones. Six young ones shouldn't be put in that position. But that's the way it is. And that's the way it's going to be for a while."

Marbury's public whine seemed orchestrated and surely will accelerate his status as trade bait. The Knicks don't believe they can make a legitimate trade until Dec. 15, when free agents who signed summer contracts can be dealt. Center Eddy Curry, who missed the final three quarters Friday with a strained calf, is the lone untouchable.

"I've been talking to Stephon a lot this year and he's been very upbeat, optimistic about Larry and how things were going," said Frazier, who travels with the club as the Knicks' TV broadcaster. "That's why when I woke up and saw the comments [Friday], I was shocked. And I've seen Marbury do more of the little things this season, hustle more, play better defense."

But whatever good Marbury had done in the two straight wins in Sacramento and Utah, it's been lost, as has his game. Marbury, making $16.5 million this season, is supposed to be the leader. Players follow the captain's example. Imagine if all 15 players came to Brown asking for a role change so they could score more.

"We have to support the coach and get on the same page," Crawford said.

Marbury, averaging just 14.6 points, can't figure out how to score in Brown's staid, pick-and-roll offense. Marbury requested a move to shooting guard to give him more opportunities.

Brown told Marbury he can't afford the switch because he doesn't trust Crawford or Robinson as floor generals.

Frazier can understand Marbury's feelings. After Earl Monroe's acquisition in 1971, Frazier said he believed he wasn't getting enough shots, too. But Frazier kept his mouth shut — to Red Holzman and the press.

"I felt something similar when Earl first came in, but it was about the team," Frazier said. "I never said anything to Red. Red wouldn't stand for it. The only thing I could think of is he [Marbury] was embarrassed by what Kobe [Bryant] did."

Im my opinion, this is coming from one of the greatest 50 players of all-time and one of the best knick players.. What he's saying is sooooo true.. Marbury needs to keep quiet, keep the ego aside and follow exactly what Larry is trying to implement or else he'll dig a bigger hole for himself..[Edited by - woodmannyk on 11-20-2005 10:38 AM]

[Edited by - woodmannyk on 11-20-2005 10:45 AM]

Yup this game is to be conducted under Browns rules....Isiah can't do anything and neither can Marbs.....Brown runs this show. Anyone else doesn't like it will just be breaking their foot off in their own asses.

[Edited by - enyspree on 11-20-2005 10:50 AM]