STEPH MIGHT PLAY

ISIAH HASN'T RULED OUT MARBURY VS. NETS

By BART HUBBUCH
POSSIBILITY: Stephon Marbury was expected to miss a week after the death of his father, but Isiah Thomas said reporters who asked who would start in place of Marbury tonight were "jumping a little ahead" of themselves.

December 5, 2007 -- Isiah Thomas left open the stunning possibility yesterday that Stephon Marbury - despite losing his father just three days ago - might play tonight when the Knicks visit the Nets.

The veteran guard was expected to miss at least a week after Donald Marbury Sr. died of a heart attack Sunday night during the Knicks' loss to the Suns at the Garden.

But Thomas didn't rule out the prospect of Marbury rejoining the team in time to face the Nets tonight at the Izod Center, and a family friend indicated last night that Marbury is considering the notion even though his father has yet to be buried.

Donald Marbury's funeral is 11 a.m. tomorrow at Coney Island Gospel Assembly, and Thomas already canceled that day's practice so the Knicks' players, coaches and front office can attend.

The Knicks have four games in the next six days, including a back-to-back set with the 76ers on Friday and Saturday, and Thomas indicated his team could have Marbury for most - if not all - of those games.

When asked if a newly healthy Mardy Collins or Nate Robinson would start in Marbury's place against the Nets, Thomas told reporters they were "jumping a little ahead" of themselves.

"Let's wait and see what (Wednesday) brings," Thomas said.

Asked if Marbury might play tonight, Thomas said: "We don't know that yet."

Considering the alternatives, having Marbury back even in a grief-stricken state - and even if it isn't back until Friday against the Sixers - would be viewed as a boost by the 5-11 Knicks.

Collins has struggled mightily in the rare times he was given extended minutes this season and missed the Suns game because of a sprained left ankle. The 5-foot-9 Robinson is a matchup problem for his own team against bigger guards.

Thomas could go with Jamal Crawford or even Fred Jones at the point, but the ideal situation would be for Marbury to return as soon as possible. Marbury leads the team in assists (5.2) and is fourth in scoring (14.7).

"A lot of what we do revolves around him," Thomas said of Marbury. "The leadership, trust, the play-calling, a lot of that comes from the point-guard position. It's the most critical position in the game."

Thomas has spoken with Marbury since Donald Marbury's death and said the reaction was what he expected.

"It's safe to say he's still in the same way all of us have felt when we lost a parent," Thomas said.

Forward Zach Randolph said he hadn't spoken to Marbury but hoped to do so yesterday afternoon. Randolph, who missed time this season because of the death of his grandmother, indicated Marbury would be better off taking some time away from the game.

"I know he's a strong guy with a strong willpower, and I think he's going to be all right," Randolph said. "Once he spends some time with his family and gets his smile back, he's going to be all right."

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oohah

I was wondering why everyone was so sure Marbury is going to sit out tonight myself. It is not uncommon for a player to still make games during times like these. Matt Barnes did it recently, Joe Dumars played when his father died.

I have a feeling Marbury will play. It actually might be good for his psyche to think about something else. But who knows what will happen?

oohah

Posted by BlueSeats:

I don't like it, not with the relationship Marbury has with the fans. This feels awkward, contrived and desperate to me.

I disagree. I think Marbury is playing because his father would want him to

Posted by Cookdcokehop:

Posted by BlueSeats:

I don't like it, not with the relationship Marbury has with the fans. This feels awkward, contrived and desperate to me.

I disagree. I think Marbury is playing because his father would want him to

Which one, Don or Isiah?

well, they don't come back to the garden until saturday.

If I have vacation days I will take them.
Why to give anything to this MSG f..ers?
Plus is makes no difference if Steph plays or not.

Swimming, elyptical.

Posted by oohah:

Posted by BlueSeats:

Hey oohah,

Mind if I hijack your thread a little bit?

I know you've had your share of knee troubles. Mine are okay but not great. I'm not as young as I used to be, and they were always a weak point. Lately they are suffering from overuse. I'm doing some leg intensive weightlifting (Squats, deadlifts, and Olympic style lifts like cleans and snatches etc, which entail jumping with weights) so they feel sore and brittle, but not broken.

What are some good stretches and exercises I can do to keep them loose and lubricated but without adding more stress? And do you know of good books, articles, websites, etc, for me to check out?

Blue, let me get some stuff together for you and I will get back to you. I might just put it in a different thread, is that okay? I am more busy at the moment than my posting would suggest, but I will get back to you soon.

In the meantime, give your knees some rest.

oohah

I appreciate it, but don't go to too much trouble. I'm checking out books on knees on amazon.