Posted by - PG
- 6’2, 180 lbs
- 4th Overall Pick, 1996 NBA Draft (Milwaukee)
- College: Georgia Tech
- Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
- Career Stats: 19.3 ppg, 7.6 ast
- 2x All Star
- 2x All-NBA Team
- NBA All-Rookie Team (1996-97)
Standout Seasons: 2000-01, 2002-03, 2004-05
- 2000-01: 67 GP/67 GS, 38.2 MPG, 23.9 PPG, 3.1 REB, 7.6 AST, 1.2 STL, 79 FT%, 44.1 FG%
- 2002-03: 81 GP/ 81 GS, 40 MPG, 22.3 PPG, 3.2 REB, 8.1 AST, 1.3 STL, 80.3 FT%, 43.9 FG%
- 2004-05: 82 GP/ 82 GS, 40 MPG, 21.7 PPG, 3 REB, 8.1 AST, 1.5 STL, 83.4 FT%, 46.2 FG%
The ‘Chinese Jordan’ was the real deal in the NBA as well. He endured a career that was marred with controversy but the man they call ‘Starbury’ brought his Brooklyn swag to the association.
‘Starbury’ was an early round pick in the vaunted 1996 NBA Draft. Drafted to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the ex-Yellowjacket formed one of the great ‘what-if?’ duos with Kevin Garnett. After showing great promise, Marbury had a sour divorce with the Wolves organisation. This divorce resulted in him being shipped to the New Jersey Nets. Across the pond from his home state.
Whilst with the Nets, Marbury blossomed into a bonafide star. Putting up two-and-a-half seasons worth of 20 PPG and 8 APG for the Nets squad. Marbury put in work for Jersey but he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Jason Kidd.
With Phoenix, Starbury continued his stellar run of 20 PPG and 8 APG seasons. The Brooklynite’s infectious flair was on display night-in and night-out. Earning All-Star berths in both Phoenix and New Jersey, Marbury seemed poised to bring hope back to his hometown franchise, the New York Knicks. Instead, the opposite happened.
Once Marbury returned home his career hit an impasse. Often banging heads with coach Larry Brown, Marbury found himself out of favor in NYC. As a result his career spiralled out of control. An unceremonious exit from the Knicks allowed Starbury to sign with the defending champion Boston Celtics. His last season with the Celtics was unsuccessful and Marbury was ostracised from the NBA for good. Things hit rock-bottom for Marbury after he posted a now infamous video of himself eating Vaseline.
With the NBA wanting no parts of the Marbury-circus, he took a fateful trip to China to play in the CBA. Marbury became an icon during his playing career in China. His rise to stardom in China concocted one of sports most interesting redemption stories. A beleaguered former All-Star, became an undisputed legend in the vast lands of China. Starbury was born again in the Peoples Republic of China.
Whether he was a young star with promise, a star exiled or a star reborn, Starbury continued to shine in his own unique way. What should never be forgotten amongst the varying narratives that surround Marbury is the fact that he was without a doubt a ‘Real Hooper’. His New York flair, ability to score at every level and his natural Point Guard instincts made Starbury an All-Star in the NBA and the GOAT of the CBA. Whether he was rockin’ AND1’s or offering a cheap alternative with his Starbury range of kicks, Stephon Marbury will always be one of NYC’s finest Point Guards.
Peep Stephon Marbury’s ‘Real Hoopers’ Mix below:
LO-FI | The Magazine 