No ’Starbury’ Circus: Why the Boston Celtics must pass on Stephon Marbury

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: A source close to the situation has said there has been absolutely no verbal commitment between the Celtics [team stats] and disgruntled New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury.

Marbury told the New York Post yesterday that he has an offer from the Celtics should he get free from his deal in New York. Marbury has not played since last April and is currently in a stalemate with the Knicks over the buyout of his $21 million contract.

The source went on to say the two sides have spoken (the Knicks gave Marbury permission to talk with other clubs), and that the Celts would definitely like to add him under the right circumstances. However, the club is not prepared to give him major playing time. (Boston Herald linked on HoopsVibe News) 

Our Very Quick Analysis: Why would the Boston Celtics want Stephon Marbury?

Forget his history and just consider today. The defending champions spent Monday playing an all too public game of deal or no deal with disgruntled New York Knick Stephon Marbury.

The former All-Star told reporters he had a verbal commitment to join the Celtics after he secured his release from the Knicks. The green-and-white acknowledged talking to Marbury, but denied promising a roster spot.

Hopefully, Boston GM Danny Ainge now gets it. This is ‘Starbury’. After all, the combo guard created a national controversy for the Celtics and isn’t even on the team. If he were signed every comment would become a national headline. And every misstep would become a youtube classic.

Then there is the on-court fit. At best, it’s questionable. Beantown won their seventeenth banner through teamwork and playing together. Marbury, whether with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix, or New York, never put his team first.

Everybody on Boston defends. No exceptions. Problem is the Georgia Tech grad has never been the get-stops type. This limits how Coach Rivers can use him, which, no matter how much he claims he’ll play the good soldier, won’t sit with Marbury.

They already have strong personalities. Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce lead the Celtics. The bench has Eddie House, ‘Big Baby’ Davis, and, coach in training, Sam Cassell. Can they really handle another confident individual like Marbury?  

Boston needs a forward to replace P.J. Brown, not a headache. Today, Marbury showed that’s all he is.

Should the Celtics sign or pass on Marbury? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of badlands71.