A necessary evil: Why the Boston Celtics want Stephon Marbury

February 26 09

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: Not long after getting Mikki Moore signed yesterday, the Celtics were able to begin envisioning what Stephon Marbury would look like in their uniform, too.

After months of being embroiled in a soap opera, the Knicks worked out a buyout of Marbury’s $21 million contract yesterday. Two NBA sources said that once the two-time All-Star clears waivers - which is expected to be Friday morning - he will sign with the Celtics for a prorated veteran minimum of $1.3 million for the rest of the season. (HoopsVibe News)

Our Very Quick Analysis: New York’s prodigal son turned black sheep is out.

After much rumour, speculation, and innuendo, Stephon Marbury has been released by his hometown Knicks. Instead of leading Madison Square Garden to respectability, the guard is leaving with his reputation ruined and even more of owner James Dolan’s money in his pocket, courtesy of a final buyout.

He is 32, hasn’t seen the court since January of 2008, and is a free agent July 1^st; so securing a final NBA contract depends on a successful two-month audition with his new team.

Marbury is motivated. And Boston, in need of a late season addition, seems prepared to roll the dice on the league’s most controversial player. Well, why? Why would GM Danny Ainge and the defending champions take a chance on a polarizing figure like Marbury?

The Celtics believe in the power of their culture. They have strong leaders: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. Most importantly, Doc Rivers is on the sideline. The personable coach likely thinks he can be the one to get Marbury to buy into a team-first system.

They have some obvious holes. First, the green-and-white hasn’t replaced second-unit game changer James Posey, who signed last summer with New Orleans. Second, Eddie House is a back-up shooting guard in a point guard’s body. His ball handling is a liability. And finally, rivals like Cleveland and Los Angeles currently have momentum and a mental edge over Boston.

Enter Marbury.

When in shape and focused, the former All-Star can provide bench scoring, handle the rock, and run half-court sets. Under the right circumstances, Marbury could be the difference in a seven-game series. After striking out the at the trade deadline, Ainge knows he’s the club’s last chance at a pre-playoff upgrade.

(The Celtics also got a gifted orator: "My better ho". Anybody else remember the ’we got youthier’ line?)

Bottom line, Marbury’s pro-rated, one-year deal makes him expendable. If things sour in Boston, the prodigal son turned black sheep will once again be out. Only this time, even he knows, he’ll be out the NBA for good.

Should Boston sign Marbury? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of lionelane.

11 Comments: A necessary evil: Why the Boston Celtics want Stephon (...)

Posted by

on 03.2.2009

Starburry + 3 Stars + upcoming star (Rondo) we have a 18th banner coming in. Bet me. .

Posted by
dominic
on 03.2.2009

you are right oly, only time will tell with marbury.eveyone knows he is talented but is an a-hole who has burnt bridges everywhere he has been.this wiil either turn out very good or an absolute disaster.his arrival has seemed to effect rondo negatively.hey district you should lay off the sour grapes for a while. .

Posted by
District native
on 03.1.2009

Hey Dominic, hope you had fun at the Pistons game today. Marbury really came through in the clutch... I think he is the savior too. Did you guys really give this selfish scrub a standing ovation when he first checked in last game... shows how stupid people from Boston are. Tay for 3... Rip for 3... in your mouth! All in your mouth! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 03.1.2009

Hi Dominic, thanks for commenting. You are right, Marbury did some nice things on Friday, especially when you consider he hasn’t played in an NBA game for a year. It could work, I don’t discount the power of the Celts’ culture, but I also agree with on many levels District native. Starbury has scorched the earth of so many teams, so who knows what happens. Certainly, Boston holds all the cards and Starbury must be motivated to act and play right in order to secure another contract. All in all, it will be fun to watch. Thanks for commenting, get at me with a response if you like ... .

Posted by
dominic
on 03.1.2009

yes i did watch the game.he hasnt been in a game for over a year. i never listen to those kobe lovng tools at espn.yes eddie house is happy, he is a 2 guard who struggles with ballhandlig.it sounds like you had some sour grapes for breakfast. marbury. m moore + celtics = another championship. .

Posted by
District native
on 02.28.2009

He played well last night? Did you watch the game or just listen to what espn said? Brandon Rush lit up Marbury and the Pacers went on a 13-0 run when they put Marbury in in the 2nd quarter. Marbury plays no defense, is turnover prone, dribbles the shot clock away, and will kill the chemistry. Do you think House is happy that Marbury is there taking his minutes? No PJ Brown and no Posey = no more rings. .

Posted by
dominic
on 02.28.2009

he played very well last night off the bench for a 32 year old who hasnt played in a year. now lets see if he can keep his pie hole shut and accept his new role.he has to know that this may be his last chance in the nba. oh yeah btw im going to the celts pistons game on sunday.. go celtics .

Posted by

on 02.27.2009

Starbury ain’t nothing .

Posted by

on 02.27.2009

Marbury is EVIL .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 02.27.2009

Hi Sulee, thanks for commenting and reading. Doc and Ainge are thinking they can be the guys to turn Marbury around. They truly believe in the Celtic culture and the power that goes with being defending champs. It could turn out a win-win for all parties involved. But the previous clip shows that Boston is taking a huge risk! Thanks for reading and commenting. .

Posted by
Sullee
on 02.26.2009

LOL! "My better ho" It seemed like an honesty mistake. He is a DICK still though. LOL! The stiff azz host tryin to move. Celtics what are you thinking? .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

A necessary evil: Why the Boston Celtics want Stephon Marbury

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