When Stephon Marbury left the NBA to play in the Chinese Basketball Association in January 2009, it was generally seen as a case of a fallen star looking for the biggest available paycheck. Few thought he would last overseas, if only because the culture shock and different expectations can challenge even the best-intentioned imports. Yet Marbury has thrived — he's been a league champion, become enough of a star to warrant a bronze statue in Beijing, and approached the whole experience with sincere emotion and passion. His success isn't as glamorous internationally as if he'd done the same in the NBA, but it seems somewhere close to as meaningful for Marbury.

The 37-year-old guard now has another accomplishment to add to his growing legend in China — starring in his own stage play. Ben Sin of SI's Extra Mustard explains the play's concept and details:

Yup, tickets for the production "I Was Marbury" officially went on sale yesterday. The play will cover Marbury's life during the 2011-2012 Beijing Ducks season -- when Marbury led the team to its first championship over the Aaron Brooks-led Guangdong Tigers.

The play's director, Zhou Wenhong, told Chinese media that the main theme of the play will be "never give up" and will incorporate choreographed basketball moves with dance. Marbury, however, describes the play's story in grander terms, saying in a press conference the play focuses on "Sino-US relations."

Marbury will play himself in the production, but will only appear in a few scenes -- the story apparently focuses on other Chinese characters who have been inspired by Marbury.
According to the production's official website, the show will have a different guest star each night, including Yao Ming and former NBA journeyman Wang Zhizhi.

"I Was Marbury" — in the past tense for reasons I don't entirely understand — will run only 11 nights from Oct. 1-11, with tickets ranging from $30 to $270. In other words, the prices aren't that far off from tickets for a standard NBA game, although the play figures to include far more examples of basketball players engaged in choreographed dance. Plus, in keeping with Marbury's longstanding beliefs, it's sure to be tastefully done.

It's easy to glance at this headline and consider the whole story ridiculous, but Marbury has continually proven that his involvement in Chinese culture is serious. He has embraced the nation and its basketball future, becoming not just a star on the court but someone who has made genuine strides in building the CBA's legacy. This forthcoming play might not be "Death of a Salesman," but it's another part of Marbury's career in China. If he takes it seriously, we shouldn't consider the project a sideshow until it opens.

Until then, we can imagine specific scenes, with our imaginations setting the only limits. I'm hoping for a Yao/Starbury duet of "Anything You Can Do."

They can set this too to dance and music, I'd fly over there and see this!!!

If Tyson can be on broadway, why can't Starbury too??

Nalod wrote:"Yoothier"
"Dey Scared now"
"I want my Money"
"Dave and BUsters"
"I can see the spit in your mouth"
"Vaseline for the throught"

They can set this too to dance and music, I'd fly over there and see this!!!

If Tyson can be on broadway, why can't Starbury too??

what about get in the truck?

I hope Melo does not fall into a similar category - I don't think he will because I believe he wants to win (and get paid).

you know this guy would make it big. china is a player,

it's no small feat to be jordan there, to handle that and to keep bringing the chips home, or the statues idk if he's won a chip

IronWillGiroud wrote:marbury was always the stuff of legend,

you know this guy would make it big. china is a player,

it's no small feat to be jordan there, to handle that and to keep bringing the chips home, or the statues idk if he's won a chip

He did. I agree GREAT achievements in china

I'm sure Starbles would be a great fit in the triangle.

Maybe we can get IT back to be assistant head coach...

Add more music and show highlights and these fans get a rush of blood to their loins.

Marbles in China is about him trying to sell shoes to which he is not doing well at. He is perhaps the worst knick in history, a guy who gutted any shread of dignity the team had.
MDA was so correct to exile from his bench.

Its sad that he has become the darling of the Chinese basketball league.

jrodmc wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

jrodmc wrote:Amazing how good you can look throwing up layups with 1 foot of lift against what looks like a league full of DLee defensive rejects.

I'm sure Starbles would be a great fit in the triangle.

Maybe we can get IT back to be assistant head coach...

are you trying to say if you had a choice you would sign felton ahead of marby

Are you trying to maintain that a clip of practically uncontested layups against flatfooted defense in the Chinese league is something worth scouting for our starting PG?
Do you wonder what Chris Smith might look like in the Chinese League?

Maybe we should look into signing Aaron Brooks?

I would sign my grandmother before i signed felton. In fact I was a huge felton fan up until december of last season, with every brick 3, his 4 assist games, non penatration, and brutal defense, I wouldn't sign this guy to 1 day contract.

As for marbury, no I wouldn't sign him, but if I had to choose between the 2, and they were my only options, yeah i'll take him.

Felton at this point, would come off the bench on a chinese team

It sound ridiculous when the words of this story are spoken than just read.

I would pay up to $10 to see a video of this production.