Stephon Marbury

National Basketball Association player Stephon Marbury is a point guard for the New York Knicks.

After meeting on December 1, 2008, the Knicks and Marbury failed to reach an agreement of a buyout or release for Marbury from the team. The Knicks were hoping to agree on a buyout amount with the NBA star. But after only 15 minutes in discussions, Marbury left the room without a resolution. The Knicks sent Marbury away, asking him not to participate in any team activities or functions.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: February 20, 1977
2. Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
3. Height: 6-2
4. Weight: 180 lbs
5. Position: Guard
6. High school: Abraham Lincoln High School
7. College: Georgia Tech
8. Draft year: 1996

Early Life

Stephon Marbury was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 20, 1977. He attended high school at Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn and played one season of college ball with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets before declaring himself eligible for the NBA Draft. In 1996, he was selected with the fourth overall pick in the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.²

Pro Career

After the draft, Marbury was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the rights to Ray Allen. In his first season, Marbury averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 rebounds in 67 games. Marbury finished second to Allen Iverson in Rookie of the Year voting. He played for several seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the New Jersey Nets. In 2000, Marbury was elected to his first All-Star game. After several productive seasons with the Nets, where he averaged over 20 points a game, Marbury was traded to the Phoenix Suns. In 2004, Marbury was traded to the New York Knicks.³ Although the move to New York was thought to be a welcome homecoming for the star guard, his tenure with the Knicks has been marked with controversy and mediocre numbers. The poor play of the Knicks led to the firing of head coach Isiah Thomas, who was responsible for the Marbury trade.

2008 Knicks Circus

Marbury, who was declined a release by the Knicks, was placed on the inactive list on October 31, 2008. ⁴ He was asked to play with the team on November 21, 2008, and November 26, 2008, but reportedly declined the offers.⁵ Marbury was suspended for the refusal and fined nearly $400,000, but plans to appeal the decision. It is rumored that he will either be released or be suspended for the rest of the season or until he can be traded.⁶

Timeline

• February 20, 1977: Born
• 1997: Debuts with Minnesota Timberwolves
• 1999: Traded to New Jersey Nets
• 2001: Traded to Phoenix Suns
• 2004: Traded to New York Knicks

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