Team Titanic II: Steph vs. Isiah

By MARC BERMAN

Of all the problems I figured the Knicks would have this season, I did not imagine it would be Stephon Marbury's disgruntlement with Isiah Thomas.

Yes, in a season-preivew graphic on the list of FAQs, I asked what date will Marbury complain about his role? I wrote December. But it was more tongue-in-cheek.

hat has happened the past six days, with two Marbury second-half benchings and Marbury speaking out against the coach/president, is mindboggling.

One of the whole reasons for Thomas to take over as coach was because of his close ties with Marbury, who feuded with Larry Brown.

Marbury truly doesn't understand what's going on. Why would Isiah try to embarrass him when he's struggling so much at the Garden, where he is booed for every miscue.

Did Marbury not look to shoot or drive because he is afraid to make a mistake at the Garden? Or was he sending Isiah a message that this is what it looks like when you don't want me to make plays? Marbury had hinted last Monday that if he's not allowed to make a turnover, he'll make sure he doesn't. Presto. Last night.

Marbury denied there was any message sent, other than he was just running the offense the way Isiah wants. That's really a message in itself.

Earlier this week, Isiah told Marbury he wanted him to attack more and he benched Steve Francis so Marbury could be showcased. Marbury talked about playing like "Starbury'' again. But after the Minnesota defeat when Marbury didn't distribute and Quentin Richardson went shotless, Thomas changed his mind.

So last night, Marbury went shotless. The Knicks are a circus again. Isiah might just believe Marbury has lost a step and doesn't know what to do about it. He sees Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson being more dynamic on the court.

Humiliating Stephon amidst a game is not the answer. Marbury can still play. You don't lose everything in one season. Right now he needs a coach whose not out to embarrass him. Sound familiar?

Somewhere Larry Brown is out there, shaking his head.

Berman, you're all over the map on this one. My god.

He's trying to be a Marbury apologist in one sentence, and then vindicating LB in the next.