Answers Brown's criticism by insisting he's willing to sacrifice his game to help team

BY GREG LOGAN
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

December 30, 2005

MILWAUKEE -- He was booed at home for his recent uninspired play and questioned by coach Larry Brown for hurting the Knicks by passing up open shots in Wednesday's loss in Orlando, and everything about Stephon Marbury's downcast demeanor suggests he'd rather be someplace else.

But as Marbury went out of his way to emphasize yesterday, looks can be deceiving.

"Hey, man, I love New York, and I want to be here more than anything," Marbury volunteered in an interview after practice. "Whatever it's going to take for me to win, I'm going to do it because I feel like New York deserves it ... If it's sacrificing my game, I'm willing to do that."

In Marbury's view, that's exactly what he was doing in Orlando when he took only three shots in the first three quarters and finished with five points, 0-for-7 shooting and three assists. The hot shooters were Eddy Curry, who had 29 points, and Jamal Crawford, with 24. Marbury said he passed up open shots to get better ones for teammates, which is what Brown wants from his point guard.

Brown was in no mood to add fuel to the fire yesterday, declaring the incident over. But he did not back off his critical postgame comments. Performance fluctuates from game to game, but Brown said, "In my mind, he had a lot of good looks [in Orlando] that he didn't look to take. I think you can hurt your team by doing that.

"That wasn't a typical Stephon Marbury game. I thought he defended great, but offensively, he wasn't aggressive at all. I ran plays for him, and he didn't look to shoot. You know, we need him to play on both ends of the court and be aggressive on both ends of the court."

With a 7-20 record and nine losses in their past 10 games entering tonight's meeting with the Bucks, the Knicks are tied for the fewest wins in the NBA. In a .recent interview, team president Isiah .Thomas said if things don't work out between Brown and Marbury, he'll have to do something, meaning attempt to trade Marbury.

The point guard from Coney Island, who has been traded three times, acknowledged the possibility of a fourth trade, but he's not asking out.

"I can't do nothing about that, but like I said, I love New York more than anything, and I'll do anything to be in New York," Marbury said. "This is the place I grew up at, loving to play basketball and being a fan of New York."

Marbury said the thought of leaving "never crossed my mind." He hasn't talked to Thomas about his desire to remain with the Knicks, but then again, Marbury said that's not necessary.

"My heart and my soul say that," Marbury said. "My heart and my soul bleed New York colors. I know that, and I believe everybody else knows that."

It's plain to see Marbury doesn't enjoy Brown's emphasis on defense and a structured offense that takes the ball out of his hands to stress ball movement and an inside-out attack. But Marbury insisted, "I made the adjustment. So I'm willing, and I'm ready."

Curiously, Brown and Marbury discussed their views openly with reporters but never spoke to each other about what happened in Orlando. The one question Marbury refused to answer was about his relationship with Brown, and when asked if he needs to talk to Brown about his role as point guard, Marbury snapped, "I don't need to talk to him. He needs to come tell me what he wants me to do if that's what he feels is the case."

So things aren't exactly hunky-dory in paradise, but Marbury even went so far as to say, "I love [Cablevision CEO James] Dolan for bringing me here. Like I said, once we all get to the point where we've had enough [of losing], then that's when it's going to be enough."

holy crap, did you travel ahead into time to get this article?

ah heh heh no, but seriously does this article mean that marbury should or shouldnt be traded? I still think marbury shouldnt be traded, i think billups went through worse with brown, and that worked out.

Posted by BasketballJones:

Well, If these two guys can't talk to each other directly, and instead have to communicate through the media, that's a problem.... I think.

yeah but whats worse is that knight was right and I was wrong

I still don't think it's a trade worth issue though, and apparentl neither does isiah becuase he said IF things dont work, meaning they havent already not worked out.

Brown is a master in manipulating the media and his own players.. He's obviously playing with Marbury's head and it's working..

Curiously, Brown and Marbury discussed their views openly with reporters but never spoke to each other about what happened in Orlando. The one question Marbury refused to answer was about his relationship with Brown, and when asked if he needs to talk to Brown about his role as point guard, Marbury snapped, "I don't need to talk to him. He needs to come tell me what he wants me to do if that's what he feels is the case."

Enough said!

Posted by BigC:

Curiously, Brown and Marbury discussed their views openly with reporters but never spoke to each other about what happened in Orlando. The one question Marbury refused to answer was about his relationship with Brown, and when asked if he needs to talk to Brown about his role as point guard, Marbury snapped, "I don't need to talk to him. He needs to come tell me what he wants me to do if that's what he feels is the case."

Enough said!

This is why I say he has to go, his track record with all the teams he has been with speaks for itself, it's time for the Knicks to move on and say good bye to Marbury!.