Coming into training camp, all eyes were focused squarely on Stephon Marbury. Coaches, players & reporters alike were uncertain if Marbury would buy into the new program or force his release. Marbury proved that he was still deserving of his starting position, but made this revealing declaration in a recent interview: “If the Knicks want me to come off the bench, that's what I'm going to do. I don't want to go through another year of distractions.”

Who knows exactly what triggered this revelation, but I’d venture to say Allan Houston played a great role in getting Starbury to see the bigger picture. Houston’s leadership has been instrumental and has helped Mike D’Antoni get his message of unselfish play across. Along with the positive influence Houston has had on Marbury, he has also mentored Nate Robinson & Jamal Crawford. Robinson’s maturation is undoubtedly a result of Houston keeping the 5-9 dynamo in check. Robinson figures to be a major contributor this season, particularly when the team goes to the three guard alignment. Team captain, Jamal Crawford is learning firsthand what it takes to become an All-Star shooting guard. When asked about his relationship with Houston, Crawford said “I pick his brain all the time, like how he prepared when he was in my position early in his career, and what it takes to be a better player and basically be like him.”

As for Marbury, he enters the final season of his contract in tremendous shape. The ankle surgery he opted for last season coupled with the weight loss have restored his explosiveness. Marbury showed D’Antoni that he’s in prime condition to play either guard spot and shot the ball very well in practice. D’Antoni routinely started Marbury on the second unit with Nate Robinson to see how the two scoring guards meshed together. With a logjam in the backcourt, Marbury was forced to compete hard despite being one of the 10 highest paid players in the league. D’Antoni appears intent on starting Chris Duhon (based on conversations he held with Mike Krzyzewski while coaching Team USA), but having Marbury on the bench will give him a proven performer to insert should Duhon falter. Considering Duhon hasn’t been a full-time starter in the league since the 2004-05 season, he may struggle to adapt to the added responsibility. In 73 starts during the 04-05 season, Duhon posted averages of 5.9 ppg on 35% shooting from the floor along with 4.9 apg & 1 steal per contest.

The starters for Wednesday’s first preseason game against Toronto figure to be Duhon and Crawford in the backcourt with Quentin Richardson, Zach Randolph & David Lee up front. Richardson’s strong shooting performance in camp gives him the nod over future phenom Wilson Chandler. Marbury will likely become the first guard off the bench to spell either Duhon or Crawford.

For all the knocks on Starbury, he is still one of best players on the team. If he does come off the bench when the Knicks face the Heat on opening night, he will have taken the first step towards winning the crowd back.

AND 1

D’Antoni appeared to go out of his way to encourage Eddy Curry during his first practice with the team yesterday, but Curry is clearly too far behind to start Wednesday night’s game against the Raptors. Curry is lobbying for his job, but David Lee has shown the new head coach he is ready to assume the starting position. Lee’s improved jump shot and speed will draw bigger defenders out of the post to compensate for his lack of size. Lee is a better screener than Curry, which will allow the coach to call more high post sets. D’Antoni routinely ran this play with Steve Nash & Amare Stoudemire.

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