Is Stephon Marbury A Convenient Scapegoat For Isiah Thomas & New York Knicks?

New York Daily News writer Frank Isola reports on Stephon Marbury’s uncertain future with the Knicks:

A trade is unlikely because Marbury, the team’s controversial point guard, is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons. Dolan’s and Thomas’ history suggests that they would not rule out negotiating a buyout for Marbury, who then would become a free agent. At the very least, Marbury’s minutes could be reduced substantially for as long as he remains on the team.

The Knicks are 2-3 entering tonight’s game in Phoenix. Marbury, 30, made the trip west but there is some uncertainty whether he will even play. The Knicks traveled to Phoenix yesterday afternoon and were not available for comment. Attempts to reach Thomas at the team hotel were unsuccessful.

My Quick Take: In 2004, the prodigal son returned home. Stephon Marbury had been traded to his hometown New York Knicks and Madison Square Gardens welcomed him into their coliseum like a gladiator who had secured riches for the empire.

New York always had Marbury’s back. And Isiah Thomas, the Knicks’ newly-appointed GM and Ceaser, supposedly had his back, too. Isiah and Steph united. The possibilities seemed endless.

The once dynamic duo is now reportedly headed for a nasty divorce (Think K-Fed and Britney without the kids-of course, you could make an argument about Jerome James being a fat kid in a candy store, though).

This move is about blame. Thomas had to get the club off to a strong start, so media and fans would forget the Anucha Browne-Sanders sexual harassment case. But the Knicks are 2-3 and his job is on the line.

Enter Marbury, the ultimate distraction and perfect scapegoat. His on-court play doesn’t even matter, not with ‘The Summer of Steph’ dominating youtube. For a couple of months, the former All-Star resembled a Hollywood trainwreck, giving bizarre statements on everything from dogfighting to his wife’s ‘pet names’.
 

This year, his number three jersey was more like a Manhattan-sized bulls-eye. Just listen to these two guys.

A buyout is on the way.The Marbury era will soon be finished in New York. And the clock is ticking on Thomas. 

Is Marbury being scapegoated by Thomas? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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