Say we sign Steph and...

[xmuscularghandix]

it could get interesting if he does an awesome job and hits some big shots.

[KCattheStripe]

it could get interesting if he does an awesome job and hits some big shots.

My vote was less of a "should we" and more of a " someone will be in a better position to offer him money"

[pumpfake]

we could sign him. teams will probably still be afraid of him thinking he only performed cause of the situation in boston. so we might pick him up for one more cheap year to let him try to keep proving himself.

[Roy Hobbs]

I wouldn't dip into the MLE to sign him, since there will be better players available.

We can offer Starbury 120% of next year's minimum salary  ($1,306,455 for him) without having to use the MLE (or LLE).  That equals $1.568 million. 

[ManUp]

I wouldn't dip into the MLE to sign him, since there will be better players available.

We can offer Starbury 120% of next year's minimum salary  ($1,306,455 for him) without having to use the MLE (or LLE).  That equals $1.568 million. 

My interpretation of what Hobbs is saying is "I'd let him walk". We all know he's not taking that deal. His ego would never allow it, and someone will definitely take a chance.

I agree there will be better options out there this off-season.

[nickagneta]

Interesting question.

I think it really might have a whole lot less to do with Marbury's statistics and a whole lot to do with Marbury's attitude and whether Eddie House picks up his option and whether Danny gives up on Tony Allen(keeping my fingers crossed hoping and praying) or not.

If Marbury comes in and only shows flashes of what he can do because he has not played in a year but exhibits a great team attitude and a focus to playing defense, that's going to go a long way toward get on Danny and Doc's good side. Pulling a Randy Moss and showing that he can be all about team and winning will help to revitalize his career more than showing he can stick a jumper consistently.

Also, with a good attitude, if Eddie House decides to excercise his option and not return, Marbury becomes a perfect fit here in Boston. With Eddie staying then the need for Starbury dwindles considerably. Also, maybe Danny becomes sick and tired of the Tony Allen injuries and bonehead plays and finally ships him out of town. If that is the case, Marbury could once again get a good offer here.

But first, let's see if he can remain sane for a 3-4 month stretch before making any judgments on bringing him back. This could, afterall, blow uo right under our noses.

[BudweiserCeltic]

If Marbury can be had for a short contract below or at the midlevel, he'll be offered a contract (assuming he doesn't cause problems for us during this stretch). The bigger obstacle will be teams giving him offers beyond the mid-level, and I can see quite a few teams doing that. On the other side of it, there are so many people looking towards the 2010 class, that no one might gamble on him.

Next year, roster wise we are in quite a good position with a number of roster spots filled. Really only Powe and Davis to worry about, so the need to spread the mid-level wealth among different types of players to fill different roles for our roster will not be as big of a concern as it was this past offseason.

[Bankshot]

If we re-sign Marbury, what happens to Pruitt?

If we win a title with Marbury, he might be willing to take less to stay in a winning situation with his buddy KG.  It's not like he hasn't already made a bazillion dollars.

[BudweiserCeltic]

In my opinion, Pruitt doesn't fit much with our team. With Walker and Giddens also as prospects and with House in our roster, Pruitt doesn't bring much that we couldn't otherwise have. He's not a PG, and as long as we find some actual PG to play behind Rondo, Pruitt will probably be the odd man out. If we didn't have House, then Pruitt will be getting a ton of more chances, but as it stands, I can only envision him adding some depth for us.

[EatSleepBreatheGreen]

Now what happens if he does well, and then he doesnt really have any big offers next year because of other teams trying to clear cap room? I think he would stay for 5-6 mil for 2 years. Another thing. I dont know how it works in basketball, but theoretically, if he does so well that KG RAy and Paul want him to stay, can they all restructure their contracts to free up a couple of mil? Lets say each shaves 1 mil off their next years pay. We could give Marbury the MLE and use the other space for another freeagent vet. Someone please let me know if this is possible.

[Thruthelookingglass]

I don't believe that the players can restructure their contracts.  That came up in another thread a long time ago. 

Taking Marbury at his word, heading overseas is another option for him.  I can't imagine the circumstances where he'd make big money here in the U.S. and my guess is that a fat enough contract could draw him away from the NBA.

Great thread folks!  Keep it up!

[Fafnir]

If he were to sign cheaply and has been a good teammate maybe. But he'll want more playing time and more money than we should give him, especially if we win a title and he is a contributor.

So we'd have to let him walk under your scenario.

[cordobes]

No. The fact that he's only staying here for 3 months, on a very small contract and that he has to use that time to earn his next contract is the only reason I'm hoping he doesn't become a major distraction and can actually help us (money is a powerful incentive, even for a knucklehead like Marbury).

Once he signs a new contract, he becomes too much of a risk.

[Chris]

No. The fact that he's only staying here for 3 months, on a very small contract and that he has to use that time to earn his next contract is the only reason I'm hoping he doesn't become a major distraction and can actually help us (money is a powerful incentive, even for a knucklehead like Marbury).

Once he signs a new contract, he becomes too much of a risk.

Agreed.  Besides, to think that he has any interest being anything other than a starter beyond this year is naive IMO. 

I believe he will be a good soldier this year, and be a very important part of this team.  But I also know that he is going to be looking to be a starting PG next year, and it won't be here.

[biggs]

No. The fact that he's only staying here for 3 months, on a very small contract and that he has to use that time to earn his next contract is the only reason I'm hoping he doesn't become a major distraction and can actually help us (money is a powerful incentive, even for a knucklehead like Marbury).

Once he signs a new contract, he becomes too much of a risk.

good point