NBA

Marbury says China isn’t for Anthony

Chinese basketball stalwart Stephon Marbury told The Post yesterday he does not think either Carmelo Anthony or Amar’e Stoudemire could cut it in China because they may not have the right mindset for the grittiness of the country’s basketball scene.

Yesterday in a significant advancement, FIBA gave approval for NBA stars to play abroad during the lockout despite having NBA contracts if they return to the states if the work stoppage ends. The move was hailed by Players Association executive director Billy Hunter Jr. in a pointed statement.

It officially paves the way for Nets guard Deron Williams to play for the Turkish squad, Besiktas, which is also courting Kobe Bryant.

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Anthony and Chris Paul said this week on their Chinese sneaker tour they may play in China. Stoudemire also said this week if his back gets better, he will definitely consider overseas offers.

According to a league source, the Knicks All-Star power forward may embark on a promotional tour of China in August.

Citing the tough travel and rigorous training methods, Marbury said he doesn’t see the stars going to China, where the Coney Islander has spent the past two seasons.

“I don’t think those guys will want to go through it,” said Marbury, who is training in Los Angeles. “China is not for everybody — a whole ‘nother world. I don’t think they’re going to go there, not the big-time guys. Maybe they’d come for a little bit, but if the season is cancelled for the year, I don’t think they’d want to stay. They’ll want to go home.

“I don’t think Carmelo Anthony is going to run like they want to run in practice,” Marbury added. “They want to run you to death. The first time I got there, they ran in practice for two straight hours. I said, ‘Is that what we have to do every practice?’ ”

Marbury said the exception is Bryant, who was raised in Italy. Marbury also said he is reaching out to his former Knicks teammate, Eddy Curry, to recommend China to kick-start his career. Curry is a free agent.

“Guys like Kobe, they understand the game, culture,” Marbury said. “He’s going to embrace Turkey. If you’re in China, you have to make sure you’re in the right place, the right frame of mind. It’s not like America.”

Asked about the travel, Marbury laughed. “Planes, trains and buses,” Marbury said.

Marbury related a story in which he was carrying one of his largest suitcases during a train trip from Jilin, China. Marbury said it was two miles from where they dropped the club off at the station to where the club picked up the train.

“And I’m carrying this big bag two miles and said, ‘God, you know how to show me an experience,’ ” Marbury said laughing. “We rode the train with the people. It was like being on the D train. No private jets. It was a humbling experience. That’s why I love it so much. Not far removed from Coney Island.”

Marbury is heading to Bejing Aug. 9. Though he played for Forshan last season, there’s a strong possiblty Marbury will play in China’s Olympic city next season, according to a basketball source.

Will Anthony and Paul join him? Union director Billy Hunter, who meets with David Stern on Monday, is delighted at FIBA’s ruling as he’s encouraged players to talk up overseas ball.

“The NBPA and our players are gratified by today’s announcement by FIBA, although it comes as no surprise,” Hunter said. “We have consistently advised our members that in the event of a lockout they would have the right to be compensated for playing basketball irrespective of whether they were under contract to an NBA team or not. We have encouraged all of our players to pursue such opportunities and will continue to do so.

“In the face of the economic pressure that the NBA has attempted to exert by imposing a lockout, our players are unified and eager to demonstrate that the NBA’s tactics will be unsuccessful,” Hunter added.

An NBA spokesman said the FIBA ruling confirms David Stern’s stated feelings that players are permitted to go overseas during a lockout.

marc.berman@nypost.com