The Odd Couple: Stephon Marbury and San Antonio Spurs an interesting match

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: Who wouldn’t want to play for San Antonio?" Marbury told The Post last night. "To play with Tim Duncan, who would complain about that? That’s a great organization, they win championships. They have a nice system and I like (Gregg) Popovich as coach. I can play 1 or the 2. If I was a free agent, yeah."

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford has said he may look for a point guard after losing Tony Parker for a month. The only point guards on the roster are rookie George Hill, who started last night, and Jacque Vaughn. Donnie Walsh is not ready to waive Marbury. (New York Post) 

Our Very Quick Analysis: For the longest time, I couldn’t see it. And didn’t want to see it. Coney Island’s flash and the Alamo’s efficiency seemed an odd match, an Oscar and Felix type situation.

These are drastic times for Stephon Marbury and San Antonio. ‘Starbury’ is an afterthought with his hometown New York Knicks; a perpetual DNP-CD, sitting on the sideline in the finest twenty million dollar per season suit money can buy.

And after Marbury brought lawyers to Friday’s sitdown with Knick President Donnie Walsh, it’s clear a buyout is coming. And fast.

In Texas, the Republicans aren’t the only institution to lose big. The Spurs, after several seasons atop the Western Conference, have struggled with a poor record. Worst of all, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, their second and third best players, are out long-term.

Yes, drastic times, indeed. Will Marbury and San Antonio take the drastic measure of joining forces?

It’s possible. Marbury needs a change. Any change will do. So expect the former All-Star to continue flirting with the Spurs and other potential suitors via the media.

San Antonio, however, is a different story. Their emphasis on character is commendable, but they need to tweak their roster. Coach Gregg Popovich must decide if Marbury’s talent offsets his baggage.  

Of course, ‘Pop’ and his crew would provide Marbury an opportunity at redemption. If he fits-in and helps the former champs then his battered reputation gets a much-needed lift.

Dallas, Golden State, and Miami are the frontrunners for the former All-Star. San Antonio also makes sense –and not just for Marbury. Like I said, drastic times call for drastic measures.

Where will Marbury end up? The Mavericks? The Warriors? The Heat? Or the Spurs? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Elinor Zach.