Stephon Marbury Rips the Knicks, Says He Wouldn’t Return Even If Held at Gunpoint

Stephon Marbury ripped the Knicks and former coach Mike D’Antoni, saying he wouldn’t return to the team even if he was held at gunpoint.

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Complex Original

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When Stephon Marbury was traded to the New York Knicks a few months into the 2003-04 season, it didn't quite have the effect that most MSG diehards were hoping for. As part of six seasons in NY, Marbury made the playoffs just once with the Knicks, got swept, and also had very public feuds with three different coaches. His time there finally ended when the organization hired Mike D'Antoni. Marbury lost his starting job and then was subsequently banned from all the team's practices and games. It was, to put it mildly, a very shitty run.

Now, seven years later, and half a world away in Beijing, Marbury showed there's still no love lost for the organization (which is somewhat ironic since he was a fan of the team growing up). While answering questions for fans, the subject of Mike D'Antoni (who was recently hired to coach the Houston Rockets) came up, and Marbury pulled no punches:

@StarburyMarbury dantoni told him come to cMp in shape, he was in best shape of career. And then got benched

— Patrick James (@patstock11) June 14, 2016

Did me the best favor ever. Didn't want to play in his losing style of basketball. No defense and just shoot. https://t.co/WMfjFUDtJy

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 15, 2016

The NBA is a fraternity. The same coaches get fired and hired. There are so many better coaches than this guy. https://t.co/iD06ctg5V7

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 15, 2016

@StarburyMarbury would love to see you back as PG of the knicks , you def got raw deal by Isiah n Dolan

— Uncle Danny (@danny313131) June 15, 2016

He then said that he wouldn't rejoin the organization, even if held at gunpoint

Not at Gun point!! https://t.co/PMmG2md3nK

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 15, 2016

The best in the short time I was there. A real winning organization. https://t.co/pwCvJ0wuQK

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 15, 2016

In case you think he's just bitter about how his career in the NBA, he did offer praise for the Celtics:

@StarburyMarbury what do you think about the way @KingJames is hated on?Model citizen and like yourself helps lots of underprivileged kids!

— Coooool DuDe (@KingofJerz) June 15, 2016

Yes he does. He needs some more moves now that he's getting older. https://t.co/OlFu7VvW2s

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 16, 2016

He also offered up advice for Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James on continuing to grow, even as his body catches up with his hairline:

he does need more, but great thing is he has taken care of his body. If he gets his post game better he could play till 38

— Coooool DuDe (@KingofJerz) June 16, 2016

He can play past 40: he's the strongest player in the NBA by far but he doesn't use all of his power. https://t.co/idhOtN2Jn0

— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) June 16, 2016

We'll likely hear from Marbury again when a Chinese film based upon his life (and starring him) drops in December.

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