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Knicks president says Marbury will be at camp; veteran Houston might, too
By Chris Broussard
ESPN The Magazine
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Updated: September 23, 2008, 9:06 PM ET
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Pouring water on widespread speculation that the Knicks will waive [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], president Donnie Walsh said the controversial point guard will be with the team when it begins official workouts next week.
"He's coming to training camp," Walsh said of Marbury in a telephone interview Tuesday evening.
Marbury
A newspaper report out of New York Tuesday morning said the Knicks are planning to waive Marbury by the end of the week. The move, which has been speculated about for months in the media, would eventually lead to a buyout of the $21.9 million Marbury is owed in the final year of his contract.
"This thing is initiated in the press and then I have to ask questions about it," Walsh said, sounding somewhat perturbed. "I haven't approached [Marbury] about a buyout."
When asked whether he's reached out to the point guard to alleviate concerns about his status with the team, Walsh said, "I talked to Stephon once and he seems OK about all of this."
Marbury is coming off the worst season of his 12-year career. He had a famous falling-out with his coach, president and one-time mentor Isiah Thomas, played in only 24 games because of injury, underwent surgery on his left ankle, and averaged career-lows in points (13.9), assists (4.7), rebounds (2.5) and minutes (33.6).
But at 31 years old, Marbury is still fairly young, and reports are that he spent the summer getting in the best shape he's been in in years.
Walsh also said former Knicks guard [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] will probably join the team at training camp. He said Houston, 37, has been working out with the Knicks at their practice facility and that his shooting touch is as smooth as ever.
Walsh is going to meet with Houston on Wednesday to further discuss the situation. He would not guarantee Houston a spot on the roster, though.
"I don't know the answer to that," Walsh said, when asked whether Houston would definitely play for the Knicks this season. "But as far as putting the ball in the basket, he absolutely can still shoot. He has to be in more intense situations."
Houston, who averaged 17.3 points over his 12-year career, was forced to retire in 2005 because of an arthritic left knee. He returned briefly last season before bowing out during the Knicks training camp.
Walsh said it will be different this time around.
"In that case, he hadn't worked out that much," Walsh said. "He just came in and started playing. Now, he feels like he's in better position to go out and play. I accept that."
The question is will New York still accept Marbury.
Im glad that marbury is going to camp. I hope the knicks hold onto him i think he will have a good year under dantoni's offense. Marbury is in good shape and also i hope Allan Houston makes the team that would be so cool. Houston and ewing in the lineup just like the 90's. just buy out james and cut roberson and then there that frees up 2 spots for ewing and houston
What exactly is his thing? Seriously, I've been watching Marbury for the last 4 seasons and he has done nothing positive for this team.
Originally Posted by Ewing2008
Yeah, and Isiah Thomas was retained! Big deal. He is coming to camp because he is still under contract although the plan is still to get rid of him. Stay tuned.
This was one of the "Top-3" question that was given to Donnie Walsh on the day he was hired as the Knick President, and several times before the regular season ended.
Six months ago everyone wanted to know what Donnie Walsh plans for "Isiah, Zach, and Marbury" the week he was hired. This is not something new!
My question to Donnie Walsh in late September, "Why did you take on a job you did not have any answers to its problems?".
Was it to prove something to the Indiana Pacers owner that was favoring G.M. Larry Bird decisions over President Walsh?
If Donnie Walsh had plans on keeping Marbury than he should have traded "Crawford and the 6th pick" to get OJ Mayo or select SG-Gordon in the draft.... Marbury would be the prime PG to have this season with either of those young SG.
Marbury would be a KEEPER in his final contract season if the Knicks had traded Crawford.
The two guards showed me in the last 4 seasons that their is only room for one of them on this Knick Roster. They dont plan together or have chemistry together.
Both are consistent "halfcourt-offensive" guards that does not improve their teammates performance on the offensive end of the court. Plus both will promote different problems with new coach Dantoni uptempo style.
What to do with Marbury is a helluv a question at $21 million dollars...
What exactly is his thing? Seriously, I've been watching Marbury for the last 4 seasons and he has done nothing positive for this team.
Exactly
Neither has any other friggin player apart from Lee and Nate. Marbury whether u like it or not is a Knick so why dont u support him!
He is contracted and he is our best PG available. To buy him out is a waste, guaranteed if he suited up for Miami or whoever and they played the Knicks he would destroy us and u know it.
He is gone at the end of the season, just let the man try and play some ball and earn some respect. People like u dont help his cause or the teams.
Marbury to be at Camp!!!!!
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