Stephon Marbury’s next move, Orlando’s new unis, and Deron Williams needs to hit the gym
Stephon Marbury (photo. Chad Griffith)We’re getting close to a full year in which the Knicks haven’t been able to decide what they want to do with Stephon Marbury. When Steph bailed on the team during that infamous early-season road trip in Phoenix, the Knicks seemed pretty done with their $20 million star. Both sides ironed things out for a while, but following Steph’s mid-season ankle surgery, suddenly he wasn’t welcome at MSG anymore. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the new management post-Isiah would unload Steph via buyout or trade ASAP, but then Donnie Walsh said he’d give Marbury a “clean slate.” Then yesterday morning, reports out of New York said the Knicks were going to waive Steph by the end of this week, but then last night those reports changed: apparently Steph will be on the court when Knicks training camp opens up next week … So what’s really going on here? Well, there’s no doubt Walsh and Co. were exploring trade options for Marbury over the summer and had to have plenty of discussions about buying him out. On top of that, giving Chris Duhon starter’s money early into the free agent signing period and inking Anthony Roberson after he’d practiced with the summer league squad for a week was a clear indicator that the Knicks were expecting to be without Steph come Opening Night. It sounds like every time the front office basketball people want to pull the trigger on dumping Steph, somebody — i.e. owner James Dolan — comes in and vetoes it last-minute … If Marbury is eventually bought out, popular sentiment has him going to the Heat and stepping in as their starter. We’ve talked a lot lately about Miami’s point guard situation, but there’s also a competition going on in Pacers’ camp between T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack. “I think T.J. and Jarrett both have the qualities of a starter,” coach Jim O’Brien told the Indianapolis Star. “They’re both going to play huge minutes. Another thing is, Jarrett brings toughness and energy. He’s not limited to the point guard spot. He can also play two-guard.” Pretty sure this is exactly why T.J. was trying to get away from in Toronto, so you know he’s gonna bust his ass to keep Jack from becoming the Black Jose Calderon. And what about Jamaal Tinsley? “I’m just worried about the guys that have uniforms,” O’Brien said. Damn … When the Pacers finally unload Tinsley, where do you see his next stop being? We could see a trade to Houston, actually. The Rockets wouldn’t mind losing Rafer Alston, and if they attach another throwaway salary (i.e. Jackie Butler) to the deal, they could match Tinsley’s money. Bring in John Lucas to try and talk some sense into Tinsley and you’re good to go … The Magic unveiled their new uniforms yesterday, and the pinstripes are back. We still wish Orlando would wear black on occasion instead of just blue on the road, but overall we like the new look … Deron Williams admitted he picked up some weight during the Olympics, which he attributed to not playing as many minutes as he’s used to (a.k.a. blaming Coach K) and to some late-night eating sessions (apparently the Tiananmen Square White Castle is THE TRUTH), but added that he’s been in the gym toning up since he’s been back. Sounds like nothing to worry about, but Deron seems to have some Carmelo Anthony in him, in that you have to watch his conditioning every offseason … Speaking of ‘Melo and Deron, would they make your list of the 15 best players in the NBA? One of our writers snubbed ‘Melo altogether, and ranked the likes of Tony Parker and Allen Iverson ahead of D-Will. Tell us what your Top 15 looks like HERE … For yesterday’s installment of our team-by-team NBA season previews, we focused on the Sacramento Kings. Kevin Martin will get buckets for what should be a high-powered offense, but the defense is what ultimately keeps Sacto toiling in Lottery status … If you’re in the Atlanta area, there’s a huge dunk contest this weekend at the Lenox Mall. Check out the preview HERE and be on the lookout for more info today on dimemag.com … NBA TV replayed a Mavs/Sixers game from ’04 that went down to double-OT, where Dirk Nowitzki hit the game-winner. That Mavs squad was loaded, with Dirk, Steve Nash, Mike Finley, Antoine Walker when he was still good (he put up a triple-double) and Antawn Jamison coming off the bench. Philly had Allen Iverson, Big Dog Robinson, a surprisingly offensively competent Sam Dalembert (he scored like 25 points), Eric Snow and Aaron McKie. On the final possession of regulation, the game was tied and Philly was desperately trying to get the ball in A.I.’s hands, but Travis Best of all people had A.I. on smash and he couldn’t even see the ball. Snow dribbled around for about 22 seconds before finally finding McKie in the corner, whose three-ball rattled out. There was also a play during the game where the announcers actually praised Nash for playing “textbook” D on Iverson … Remember Pierre Pierce? The ex-U of Iowa star has been in and out of jail and on and off probation for the last few years, but just won a court ruling that will allow him to leave the state of Iowa and play pro ball in France this year. Question: What’s the difference between being in prison and not being allowed to leave Iowa? …
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September 24th, 2008 at 3:02 am
dat dood says:
pierre pierce was sick at iowa, too bad he would rather be a criminal than a hooper.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Ian says:
walker has never been good. melo is nowhere near my top 15 a guy that big that only shoots and doesnt rebound hell no.
id take parker over deron but place them one behind the other but not iverson, i can go with deron over parker also but again one after the other. but MELO hell no.
dime u made it sound like if austin is crazy by leavin melo out one of your readers left duncan out of the top 15 and has ray allen in it, now that is some serious shit.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:04 am
alf (from melmak) says:
tinsley must be feeling the pain inside. first, they stop selling his unis. now the quote from the coach. ouch! he must be crying in bed every night.
for what its worth, i loved toine back in his celtic days. remember the speech at the end of the 3rd quarter and the impossible comeback from something like 20 points down against the nets (guys, correct me if am wrong here) during the 4th quarter in a playoff game? i say, that was classic.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:44 am
j from la says:
i hope tinsley gets his shit together he could play wen he wanted 2. im tired of hearing about marbury who the fuck is he the black brett favre….. hell no hes jus another arrogant nyc guard that likes to shoot too much and run things his way hell never get it never. melo shouldnt b in the top 15. he plays no d and takes 25 shots a game. hes a great offensive player but on defense he doesnt even try even tho hes like 6’9 and athletic.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:36 am
Three Stacks says:
I guess today’s theme is naming people the “black (name of white person).” Black Jesus is waiting for his shoutout.
I hope Obama becomes the black Bill Clinton, and that Bynum’s injuries don’t make him end up as the black Big Country, and I really hope black Michael Jackson comes back to us.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:44 am
sans says:
Where’s the trademark end line?
I hope Melo shuts up every one of his hater’s this year.
I’m out like Black Micheal Jackson making a come back tour…
September 24th, 2008 at 6:07 am
YOUNGFED says:
The words “Starter money” and Chris Duhon should never be used in the same sentence.
OBAMA 08′
September 24th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Enlgish Off The Glass says:
HA @ Three Stacks
Black Micheal Jackson.
He’s not coming back, btw. Hes one of us now.
I’m sure white chocolate has the same ‘pigment altering disease’ as Jacko.
That dude has got to have been black at some point in his life.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:32 am
The Jed says:
They should trade Steph for Tinsley straight up and make the cash work (Knicks eat whatever is left).
September 24th, 2008 at 8:14 am
yallallreadyknow says:
all these damn ny ballers. aint jamaal tinsley from ny too just like steph?
..i have never seen a more useless overhyped city in all my life.
send both them b*tches to the liberty
September 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
yallallreadyknow says:
PS
nba tv is f*cking useless bball network. they show pure garbage all damn day long.
..and what dime…no news about tim donaghy?
September 24th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Ansonious says:
@ dime Yes Iowa must be hells gates
September 24th, 2008 at 8:48 am
sans says:
c’mon man, they got corn…don’t you like corn?
September 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
BALLZ says:
Ian if you don’t think Toine used to ball on people, you better ask somebody.
September 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
control says:
BALLZ,
Ian can ask me, cause this is how it is:
Toine has always been a useless piece of shit. He won the lottery with that max contract he somehow got. The guy jacks more 3s than anyone in the league, and gets a solid 20-something %. He is the most overrated basketball player to ever play in the league.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Brown says:
I could see Tinsley going to NY on the cheap, or Miami, or Golden State. I wonder if he can still play though?
If Jack becomes Indy’s starter, I’d pay to see TJ Ford whine and bitch about coming off the bench. I see a lot of similarities in Ford and Marbury’s games. They take bad shots and don’t know when to actually pass the ball. Same arrogance too.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
YOUNGFED says:
@post#16 GTFOH!!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:33 am
justice says:
Toine used to be one of the most talented forwards in the game i hate his guts but i must admit, it was hard to stop him he dribbled like a guard and was a beast in the post…
kinda bittersweet about the steph thing as a steph fan i want to see him in that blue and orange, but as a knick fan this b.s could divide the locker room if the reports are true, im torn…
and for the dude the says NY is overhyped i really hope ur from L.A or Miami cause no other city in the world even comes close…
September 24th, 2008 at 9:37 am
alf (from melmak) says:
@youngfed
i second the thought at post 16.
whose your webmaster dime? things like that should have been filtered and never allowed to see the light of day.
same thing with those “first” stuff.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Sho-Nuff says:
Pierre Pierce did what a Black man should NEVER do in IOWA, choked out a white girl. Now he’s “state property” for life…..
September 24th, 2008 at 9:53 am
nicky says:
corrections to post #21(courtesy of the PC police):
Pierre Pierce did what a MAN should never do ANYWHERE, choked out a GIRL.
no one, black white yellow purple needs to choke any girl of any color in any state of the union.
as you were
September 24th, 2008 at 10:02 am
djKianoosh says:
I remember that sixers game against the Mavs!! I remember yelling at Snow through the TV to DO SOMETHING! and watching nobody else try to help AI get freed up. McKie and AI were the only ones willing to shoot the big shots on that team.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:02 am
loganlight says:
LOL at Jarrett Jack being the Black Jose Calderon…
And I too, HATE Toine. He doesn’t even run right – and he can’t make free throws! Hard to ever imagine him being good. But then again, Nash was the point, so maybe Antoine was the Pre-Matrix in Dallas… hmmmmm.
LL
September 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
dapro says:
LMAO @ “What’s the difference between being in prison and not being allowed to leave Iowa?” …
I lived in Iowa for two years and trust me it’s the worst spot to live in for a brotha
I saw Tione this past weekend at a party in the Chi and he actually looks to be in game shape. He doesn’t look 6’8(I’m a legit 6’1) and he had me by a few inches but not 7. Hopefully, he stays in game shape and produces for Minny.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Austin Burton says:
‘Toine was good in Boston when he and Pierce made some All-Star Games and led the team to the ECF.His decline started in the Dallas/Atlanta portion of his career, if I recall.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Quest??? says:
why would the pacers trade a crazy trouble making point guard for another crazier troublemaking point guard???
September 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
that's whats up says:
I have never been to Iowa, or prison, and plan on avoiding both.
@ post 26. I bet Paul Pierce wouldn’t define Toine’s run is Boston as good.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
BxBaller says:
@yallallreadyknow
Watch that slick talk about NYC, for real fam. I hoping Walsh isn’t as dumb as our previous GMs. I say give Steph one last chance to prove himself. I mean he would be fine in that up & down D’Antoni system, especially with Crawford, Nate, Chandler, & Lee running the break. This is when Steph is at his best in transition.
Not feeling the Magic unis, it’s got to much going on at once, the solid blue unis from last year were tough. Not to mention the old Penny era black pinstripe unis.
I’d still take a slightly out of shape Deron than about 90% of the other pgs in the league. He was busting ass his last year at Illinois with the extra weight.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Malcolm says:
I can’t wait till the season starts so y’all will have something important to write about.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Kudabeen says:
With what has been deemed as a “bail-out” on Marbury’s end…Didn’t leave that West Coast trip to come back and mourn the death of a mentor of his, which was right before or after the death of his Father? People used that to deride him and that is why I think he eventually checked out on Isiah and the franchise, they allowed him to be tossed further in the mud for mourning…I thought that is how that went…
I’m not a Marbury apologist at all. I stopped caring for dude when he was being held as better than Iverson in the Draft and when he left a great situation in Minnesota “to be closer to home”…
Either way if this dude really has lost the two most important men in his life growing off people need to get a grip and understand stuff like that will make you look at things differently. Paying for a ticket don’t make a fan a judge, but I understand the expectation…We just need to verify what the facts are.
To many media outlets, he is just and has always been just another unappreciative Thug/Athlete/Millionaire. He has proven to be a little more than that, but like most people who haven’t been raised with or afforded the best education/examples he can and seems to be a walking contradiction… Just tired of hearing about dude…
September 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Big Sia says:
We’re out like Dime saying We’re out
September 24th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Kudabeen says:
BxBaller:
I can’t be made at the critique on the NYC BBall culture and for many other areas as well. We hype these guys up soo much. They get their heads filled up with so much non-sense there doesn’t seem to be enough room to absorb a good education and common sense. Marbury, Tinsley, Sebastian, and so many others failed to maximize their ELITE level bball talents, because what I think we can all agree to be Mental deficiencies.
It’s not the Heart, we know they have heart. It’s not the physical gifts, clearly they have that. It is the mental capacity to deal with real life. To not get caught reading your own headlines. Seattle looks like they have the best system in place. Their guys are getting their educations and are becoming the leagues premier talents without all the other non-sense.
Yallalreadyknow may have come across as crass, but his comment has legitamacy. The sooner people realize the systemic fallacies at play the faster we can fix them. Then our kids (products of Father’s who LOVE Bball) won’t have to suffer from the same bullshit that a lot of these guys get caught up with.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Mark says:
Lord, Antoine Walker triple double? In what? A double cheeseburger, double fries, and a double Coke? Please, he was comparatively abysmal in Dallas. What his stats don’t show are the missed lay-ups and genuine lack of basketball IQ.
Only thing I remember is that damn ‘shimmy’ dance. Seriously, it’s gross. Like, Truffle Shuffle gross. (c) The Goonies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5whaRkuipU
September 24th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
JC says:
Dang, Dime just shat on all 6 of its Iowa-based supporters… Funny as all hell, but cold-blooded! Glad to see Pierce trying to make something happen. He had to do his time, but I hope he can still take care of himself using his talents.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Big V says:
Steph will pull it together as long as the team is winning.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Ian says:
ballz
gtfoh
who should i ask u??? walkers has always sucked all he did was shoot threes and he looked retared dribbling so pleaseeeeeeeee dont give me that shit about asking someone but fine ill ask pierce or control.
control
he is overrated beacause of guys likes balls to me he has always been a piece of shit the black van horn.
wow i remember hearing a writer describing baron davis as a short antoine walker that someone gave a team to run.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
“some late-night eating sessions (apparently the Tiananmen Square White Castle is THE TRUTH)”
That had me rolling on the floor laughing.
I can imagine Eddy Curry on the next to Beijing after reading that
September 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
bxballa,
yous a lame douche. i bet there are rainbow flags hanging outside your bedoom window
lemme guess…john amechi is ur fav player huh?
September 24th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Homeless J says:
The best thing about ‘Toine was the ‘Toine Shimmy, by far. He may have had a 20% three point average, and he may look mildly brain damaged with his face and facial expressions, but he was 100% in ‘Toine Shimmy percentage. I remember spending entire games just watching for him to do something even semi-important so he would bust out with the Shimmy.
The difference between being in prison and being in Iowa: You’re more likely to be shanked and put out of your misery in prison than you are while walking the streets of Iowa.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
the mamba says:
I rember a reporter once asked toine why he shot so many 3 pointers and he responed by saying “because there aren’t any 4 pointers”. That’s about the only thing I will remember bout him. Dude attempted the most 3′s in the L and shot like 23 percent