Stephon Marbury has remained hopeful for a possible NBA comeback at the age of 40. Marbury had some of his loyal fans pumped up Tuesday morning after he tweeted that he’s preparing for an NBA comeback. The former All-Star guard hasn’t played an NBA game since 2008/09 season when he logged in for 23 games with the Boston Celtics, but he had productive seasons in the Chinese Basketball League.
One last run?
Marbury had a fruitful 13-year career in the NBA, where he built a reputation as a dynamic playmaker. He made the All-Star and All-NBA team on two separate occasions and posted noteworthy career averages (19.3 ppg and 7.6 apg).
After stops in Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix, New York and Boston, Marbury took his talent overseas and found his second win in the Chinese Basketball League. There, he captured three CBA championships with the Beijing Ducks and an MVP award, becoming arguably the most successful foreign player in the league. His popularity in China spawned multiple endorsements and helped revive his footwear brand – the Starbury.
Marbury was still putting up solid numbers (21.4 ppg, 5.5 apg and 4.0 rpg in 36 games) last season, but he ended his ties with the Beijing Ducks over a dispute with money and his future role with the club. In July, he announced his decision to stay in China but he will be suiting up with the Beijing Fly Dragons this fall.
It’s still unclear whether Marbury is serious with his NBA comeback attempt or he’s just trolling on social media. The market won’t be robust for a 40-year old player anyway, and almost all 30 teams have already filled up the spots for training camp.
However, he could be an enticing late-season addition if he once again posts strong numbers in the CBA.
China’s top-tier league had a shorter season than the NBA, usually, starts in October and ends late March. By the time the CBA enters the offseason, Marbury will be eligible as a free-agent, and any team can claim him off the waivers.
Wolves reunion?
Minnesota is one of few NBA teams with multiple roster spots available. Last week, the team invited several free agents for private workouts in order to determine players worthy of possible training camp invitations and even a spot in the 15-man lineup.
If he can buy out of his contract with the Fly Dragons, Marbury could try working out for the first NBA franchise he played for.
The Timberwolves acquired Marbury in a draft day trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996, giving up eventual All-Star shooting guard Ray Allen in exchange for the Georgia Tech guard and a future first-round pick. Minnesota had high hopes Marbury would mesh up well with prospect Kevin Garnett and together form the foundation of a potential title contender.
Unfortunately, the tandem was broken up they reached their potential. Marbury, who wanted to step outside Garnett’s shadow and become the focal point of the team, requested a trade that sent him to the New Jersey Nets.
The Wolves are emerging power in the Western Conference. This offseason, Minnesota acquired several veterans who would complement the growth of their young stars such Karl- Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Their backcourt rotation still lacks depth. Marbury might still be capable of playing spot minutes behind Jeff Teague as a second or third-stringer point guard while providing leadership to the locker room. It’s a wishful idea but certainly not impossible.
