http://www.nypost.com/sports/28053.htm June 24, 2001 -- Peter Vecsey OKAY, so it might've taken Stephon Marbury 21/2 seasons to recognize what we knew to be true all along: As long as your weekly allowance is homogeneous, you're far better off playing for a winner in middle America than a loser close to home. Still, you've got to give Hooked On Stephonics credit for finally admitting he committed a flagrant faux pas by forcing the rapidly ascending Timberwolves to trade him to the faithfully ambulatory Nets. Especially since he knows I've been lurking in Fat Joe's shadow, just waiting to lecture, "I told you so." Undeterred by this prospect, Marbury owned up to his massive mistake soon after leading the Nets to yet another lottery dishonor. Then, last week, he told the New York Times he feels left out of the team's draft and potential roster moves. "Only way they make this team better is if they trade me," he said. Wonder how long it'll take for it to dawn on Marbury that his two thoughts are directly related? At the risk of repeating myself, the Suns almost certainly would exchange Jason Kidd for Marbury, a tempting offer Nets president Rod Thorn appears to have resisted. The Sonics also would love to start fresh with Marbury in the backcourt alongside Desmond Mason, building around them and Rashard Lewis. But accepting (Little Noxious) Gary Payton in exchange has little appeal. A Washington source now tells me the Wizards are intent on acquiring Marbury, having rejected the Grizzlies' Mike Bibby-plus proposition for the pick of the litter. Michael Jordan is offering to swap first round picks (No. 1 for No. 7) and include Richard Hamilton, Jahadi White, Chris Whitney and perhaps Etan Thomas for Jersey's ambiguous franchise player. Last time I looked, three of those Wizards were stooped so low they were playing handball against the curb of the Eastern Conference standings. Judging by Jordan's insulting presentations (offering Bulls GM Jerry Krause the No. 1 pick and White for No. 4 and Elton Brand - Krause is holding out for four pounds of lunch meat to be named later), he believes he's either still on scholarship or the permanent guest of a casino. Meanwhile, Jordan continues to entertain any and all bids. "I'm waitin' to see who comps me the most," he confides. Oh, yeah, Marbury now tells the Times he's demanding to be traded to the Bucks for Ray Allen. ------------------ "For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Hamlet
Bob, i don't reckon he's going anywhere, at least until jan/feb ebfore trade deadline, he is clearly the Nets' best player and they will want to see how the team goes with a fit Martin and possibly Kittles, plus a draft pick and whatever they can get for KVH. Smeg ------------------ "The things I enjoy most, I suck at: 1) Sex: everything's fine until she makes noises." - Achebe Smegs Mock Draft
Agree, but trading Marbury would fill a lot of holes for the Nets. They have no center (but then who does in the east?) They need a 2 guard (Rip Hamilton) The Nets have been rebuilding forever and having an unhappy superstar will not help matters. ------------------ "For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Hamlet [This message has been edited by BobFinn* (edited June 24, 2001).]
I think it would work for both. NJ gets a chance to start over (AGAIN!!), and WAS gets a player to build around. Sounds good! ------------------
