In Spike Lee’s film "Do the Right Thing," characters such as Mookie, Sal, Radio Raheem, and Buggin’ Out all have valid perspectives. The riot at the end isn’t solely the product of conflicting views, but rather the inability to compromise leads to the destructive climax.
New York is once again the backdrop of two conflicting forces. Like Radio Raheem’s contrasting four-fingered rings of "LOVE" and "HATE," Stephon Marbury and Mike D’Antoni have assumed the part of foil to each other in the new Stargate drama.
Despite claims by both player and coach that the Knicks organization and Marbury are moving in separate directions, the two paths collided on Friday when Steph refused to play for a depleted Knicks roster.
"When the trades went down this afternoon, I said: 'Look Steph, one of the principals are gone, Jamal Crawford. There’s 30-35 minutes out there, and they’re yours if you want them. Are you ready to go?'" D’Antoni said Marbury replied that he "wasn’t comfortable with the situation, and he did not want to play."
"So at that point," D’Antoni said, "I go, 'O.K., that’s your decision, and that’s fine.' That’s it."
Marbury’s version of the story is different:
"He said Stephon, 'I got 20 to 25 minutes,'' Marbury said. "I never said, 'No, I’m not going to play.' That never came out my mouth. I said, 'You told me y’all were going in another direction, and you were moving forward.'"
Regardless, Marbury didn’t play. I’m assuming D’Antoni interpreted 'You told me y’all were going in another direction' comment as 'I don’t want to play.'
So, speculating that Marbury refused to play (which remains foggy), was his act of defiance right or wrong.
In past seasons with Isiah directing the show, Steph’s character would instantly be labeled, and rightfully so, as a pariah. In a strange turn of events, however, D’Antoni has amazingly transformed Marbury into a sympathetic figure.
General Manager Donnie Walsh and D’Antoni continue to hawk Marbury’s skills and conditioning to potential buyers, yet he’s so talented he can’t crack the active roster list?
In an interview with John Thompson during Inside the NBA, D’Antoni stated, "My vision of the team is on a different track... Steph is the type of player who you give the team-or a big part of the team-or nothing and it wasn’t fair to give him spot minutes."
Oh, I get it: he’s too good to be in the rotation. Thankfully, the always honest Charles Barkley called him on his 'bullshhh,' almost slipping a curse on live television: classic Chuck.
Gregg Doyel attests that the longer this buyout situation remains at a stalemate, the more 'D'Antoni looks like a bully.'
So who’s right?
Should Marbury accept less than what the Knicks organization originally promised him or do D’Antoni and Walsh have the authority to ostracize a disgruntled employ.
Did Mookie do the right thing when he threw a trash can through Sal’s window? Did Marbury do the right thing by refusing to play Friday night?
The closing chapter of Spike Lee’s movie involves Mookie demanding his weekly pay early from Sal while they argue in front of the burnt down pizzeria. The two tentatively reconcile as the movie closes ambiguously.
Perhaps the Knicks and Marbury can reach a compromise so the current New York drama ends conclusively. Hopefully, both forces reconcile soon.
3 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Mark Brown 7 months ago
Marbury has been a thorn in New York's side for quite a while, and has been displaying a poor attitude. This time, however, he was right to turn down D'Antoni's offer. Marbury hasn't been playing and the Knicks don't want him, but as soon as they need him, they just turn to him with no problem? That's just insulting, and Marbury was right. However, he is not the "tragic" figure some think he is; he has brought this on himself by playing selfishly for quite a while. Good article.
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Matt Martino 7 months ago
I agree, well said. Thanks for the postive feedback.
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david weiss 7 months ago
Marbury took it personally when the Knicks shunned him in the beginning of the season and he wanted to get his payback. Ultimately, he would have been wiser to just play. I understand his side but he didnt do himself any favors by losing money and alienating his teammates.
A wise person knows that keeping focus on the long term goal and not just personal feelings is what Marbury should've done. His victimizing attitude will keep him in the backyard for a long time.
_David
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