Never mind.
One week after Isiah Thomas’ demotion of Stephon Marbury led the guard to bolt Phoenix and created team chaos, the Knicks coach did an amazing flip-flop. Thomas promoted Marbury back into the starting lineup this morning and said he will stick with him for good.
Marbury and Thomas likely will hear jeers tonight when they are announced during introductions prior to the game with the Warriors at Madison Square Garden.
After going 0-4 with Marbury out of the starting lineup, Thomas reversed his decision, saying, “I’m not going to give up on Marbury.”
Thomas’ move last Tuesday created a major feud between him and Marbury, and dissension reigned in the locker room. Thomas made the demotion because he thought Marbury was not providing leadership or defense from his position.
Thomas perhaps realized Mardy Collins was not ready to assume starting duties permanently.
“I don’t expect him (Marbury) to be out of the lineup again,” Thomas said. “I expect him to excel and move on. Last November we had the same situation. Last year was one of the best years he’s ever played, not necessarily statistically. Seems like we have this November quarrel and then move on.”
Though Thomas believes he gave Marbury a wakeup call, Marbury still seemed disappointed the whole thing ever took place.
“To be honest, not a whole lot came of this,” Marbury said. “Nothing good came out of all of that went on. But being able to weather the storm and have focus when I went onto the court was something that was good for myself.”
Marbury had said the right things publicly, but privately stewed, wondering if his Knick days were numbered. As reported in The Post, Thomas actually was the one who suggested Marbury leave the team, telling him, according to a source, that if he doesn’t like it, go home.
Marbury may have to miss tomorrow’s game in Detroit to attend his aunt’s funeral.