NBA Betting: Fans are the real losers in Marbury v New York

Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 03 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Despite the bitter dispute with Stephon Marbury, the New York Knicks have been resurgent of late. But should we back them from here? Nick Shiambouros has the answers...

By winning eight out of the last 12, The New York Knicks have clawed their way to ninth in the Eastern Conference , within one game of a play-off berth.

Apart from a sole victory against Atlanta, every team they have beaten does not have a winning record in the Eastern Conference .The Knicks have gained most of their recent success against Western Conference teams where their different style of play has paid dividends. Teams like Phoenix and New Orleans have struggled to deal with this new up tempo strategy and New York has made hay.

A classic pick and roll player who seemingly does not fit in, is Stephon Marbury who unfortunately for the Knicks is busy promoting his clothing line as opposed to playing for New York. The point guard is locked in a bitter dispute with the team and is currently the second highest paid player in the NBA at $21 million per year. Coach Mike D'Antoni and management are refusing to let this guy go and I believe this is really hurting this team.

Marbury has offered the Knicks $1m to buy himself out of his contract but New York will not budge. It is clear to everyone within the game that this has become a personal issue but in the current economic climate or any other climate for that matter, you have to let him go.

Referring to the Knicks' stance last week, Marbury said: "It's got to be personal."

I agree with him. It is not fair on the faithful who pay a fortune to see the team play for them to hemorrhage this kind of money for nothing. Coach D'Antoni has made a mistake in not playing Marbury this season as he is one of the best point guards in the NBA . There are only a handful of players with his talent and he will not be replaced easily.

The current rotation is well worth opposing in the next eight games against Eastern Conference rivals in the month of February. New York has a conference record of 12-15 and they face some stern opposition this month. In addition to facing Boston and Cleveland they have to play Orlando and visit Miami at the end of the month.

Coach D'Antoni has developed a slightly different style of play for New York and it is not working at all. The Knicks are scoring more points but their defense is not getting back in transition to defend the ball. D'Antoni is a man who clearly has his own idea as how the Knicks should play but the results do not back up his theory.

The New York Knicks have become one of the poorest run franchises in the NBA. Something has to give. The Knicks are one of the country's biggest teams and it is sad to see them struggling for a play-off spot. When egos influence major decisions then I think it is time for an early Spring clean from top to bottom.

Recommendations:

Lay New York with the handicap against Eastern Conference opponents for the next eight games.