So I was at the gym this morning, yes I do go on the rare occasion, and my iPod crapped out on me. I was stuck listening to my fellow gym mates debate the Stephon Marbury acquisition made by the Celtics yesterday. The majority, well actually all, were apposed to the deal. although I'm not really sure why? This is a low risk high reward move for them, here's why.
Lets go with the worst case scenario (which is what most expect), Marbury pouts about his playing time, tries to break up the chemistry, and eventually sits court side with the fans watching the C's play after buying the ticket. Okay, so does anyone REALLY think that's going to happen? Lets be serious people. That's never going to happen. Do you know why it's never going to happen? Because the moment he acts up, he will be cut. He signed for the veteran minimum ($1.3M for his years of service) which is pro-rated for the remainder of the season. So with two months to go, you're looking at $400K, that's not a lot compared to what he can bring to the team.
Marbury is a free agent after the season ends, thus making the remaining two months a contract year for him. While I have no evidence, but I'm sure there is a study out there, my "eye test" tells me that there is significant improvement of a players performance during a contract year. The man has something to prove and should be motivated to make an impact on a potential championship team. And if he isn't, he gets cut. Also, look at the Celtics bench, it's not that impressive. We don't have a James Posey who can contribute, Mikki Moore is no PJ Brown, Eddie House has been too inconsistent so who else is out there that has the potential to score 20 points for us while giving some of the starters a rest. Not to mention he can handle the point (or the two guard) and would keep Eddie House away from dribbling the ball....THANK GOD!!!! Lastly, people seem to overlook the Kevin Garnett factor here. This is a guy who from the moment he was traded to Boston, changed the culture and attitude around the team. He demands accountability from himself and his teammates and it will be no different for Marbury. KG will keep him in line and if he doesn't, say it with me again people.....HE GETS CUT.
So, let the Stephon Marbury era begin, and I hope he can be a contributing factor to a championship team.
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Actually you're wrong, the Cs agreed to pay him the full $1.3 million, and they're over the luxury cap, so he's going to cost them $2.6 mill for two months of service plus the playoffs
ReplyDeleteAlso, the fact that he is playing for next season's contract means he's not going to be shy pulling the trigger (worse than E.T. was) and forcing the issue on offense. You're also forgetting that KG won't be around for the first couple weeks as he's nursing an injury and hasn't been at the Cs games.
Now don't get me wrong, I was at the Garden for his debut when he scored 8 points, handed out a few dimes and the crowd loved him, so I may be in the minority here. But there were just as many instances where he made dumb passes that resulted in turnovers, took quick shots in the offensive set, and was more than a little lost on defense. The positives just don't outweigh the negatives in my mind to spend 2.6 million on him.
In all I'd rather the Cs have permanently called up one of the guys from the NBDL to give them quality minutes in the NBA and in game situations rather than have the wave towels at the end of the bench or be playing against inferior competition.
so yea, I'd be one of those guys you'd be in the 'against starbury' column, and I've got my reasons.