Bye Bye Starbury?

To say the Stephon Marbury/New York Knicks situation has been a mess of galactic proportions would be an understatement. Yes, that's how messed up things are right now. However, maybe, just maybe there's a light at the end of the tunnel? Knicks GM Donnie Walsh and Marbury met recently, but from the sound of it, it might not mean much.

On one hand, Marbury is owed about $21 million for this season and he wants his money. I can't blame him for that. On the other hand, Mike D'Antoni refuses to play Marbury and has kept him on the inactive list the whole season. In fact, injured players have remained on the active list while Starbury could have suited up. That's very telling on how solid the Knicks will not play Marbury at this point. And, finally, Walsh is against buying out contracts.

So, who will win this battle of wills?

As long as the Knicks keep winning as they have (6-3), there isn't any reason to dress Marbury and the more D'Antoni will get his way regarding this situation. Can they keep it up? Who knows as I'm as surprised as anyone else that the Knicks are doing so well, but I grew up a Knicks fan and have that natural pessimism about me considering their "production" in recent seasons.

In any case, Marbury is owed his money and can anyone blame him for wanting all of it? The contract was signed by both parties and usually we get irked when the player complains about not getting enough money even though he agreed to terms previously. This is sort of an anti-holdout by Marbury. And, honestly, he's the one that will probably have to "give in" in order for this impasse to be put in the past.

He'll have to do it by asking himself one question - "Do I still think I can and want to play?"

Marbury's ego will say, of course Starbury can still play and I'd agree. He came into camp this season in great shape and despite his getting older, Marbury is too talented not to produce for any NBA team... it just won't be for the Knicks. I don't see D'Antoni giving in at any point, especially since he's made Chris Duhon (8.2 ppg/6.9 apg/1.6 spg) a legitimate and effective NBA point guard, and actually getting Nate Robinson to pass the ball. Last year Robinson averaged more rebounds (3.1) than assists (2.9) per game, but this year, he is up to 4.2 dimes a contest! And, as previously mentioned, the Knicks are winning.

No way am I questioning Marbury's heart and desire, but if he really just wants to play, he'll need to agree to accepting less money and play somewhere else. And, as I am a believer in Starbury's abilities, I'm sure he'll make up the difference in money with a new contract with another team. Even though it may seem that Marbury "loses," he actually wins - he'll get to play on an NBA court... and do his best to make the Knicks regret not playing him.

Otherwise, Marbury is just sitting around - sure he's making money, but will his ego, in spite of Mike D'Antoni, keep letting him sit?

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