What Can No. 3 Do for Gang Green?

It was not to long ago when another No. 3 was considered a cancer a poison to his team. In 1980, the Seattle Supersonics traded Dennis Johnson to the Suns for Paul Westphal in a blockbuster trade. D.J. spent three years in the land of the Suns and then was traded again to Boston in 1983 for Rick Robey and some draft picks.

He was considered a malcontent and the coach John Macleod wanted him gone. The NBA world thought D.J. would mess up the chemistry of the team.  They thought that all that cigar smoke had finally addled Red’s mind.

Red knew the Celtics needed a big guard to defend Magic Johnson and D.J. was the right fit. They weren't expecting much else because they already had the offensive punch.

What did he do as a Celtic? Merely win two NBA titles and provide leadership for a team that already had Larry Bird. Bird himself said that D.J. was the best guard he ever played with. 

Enter another No. 3 with less impressive credentials yet labeled a malcontent and a cancer wherever he goes.  Marbury would tell you that he is misunderstood and that his coach misunderstands him and all he wants to do is what is best for the team. 

Marbury, to his credit, had been a model citizen through training camp and preseason. The negative reaction that D'Antoni has toward him seems a bit venomous and Marbury has to go. Hopefully something will be done soon, because another No. 3 maybe coming to the Gah-Den.

Imagine how D.J. felt knowing he was going to play with the original 'Big Three' Bird, Parish, and McHale. An opportunity to play with three future hall of famers. Fast-forward to 2009, there is a new Gah-Den, a new 'Big Three', fresh off a championship and three possible future hall of famers.

A new No. 3 is on the horizon and he wants a championship with Pierce, Garnett, and Allen.  He knows this is his time to show that he too was misunderstood.  If Marbury comes to beantown and can some how channel his inner Dennis Johnson, he too might win a few championships and be vindicated.