Stephon Marbury

Two-time NBA All-Star and one-time All-NBA Third Team member who played for five NBA teams and later won three CBA championships.

Stephon Xavier Marbury (born February 20, 1977) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. A point guard, Marbury played college basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for one season. He was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks; shortly thereafter, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. A two-time NBA All-Star and a one-time member of the All-NBA Team (Third Team in 2003), Marbury played for five teams in a 13-year NBA career that ended in 2009. He then played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) until his retirement in 2018. During his time in the CBA, Marbury won three CBA championships, was named Finals MVP in 2015, and made three CBA All-Star Games. He also served as head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters from 2019 to 2023.

Quick Facts

Born: 20 February 1977
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
College: Georgia Tech (1995–1996)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 4
Drafted by: Milwaukee Bucks
Career position: Point guard
Career number: 3, 33, 8

Lore & Background

Marbury has often gone by the nickname 'Starbury', a name created during his youth. He was born and raised in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. He attended elementary school, PS 329. During his teenage years, he starred at NYC powerhouse Abraham Lincoln High School. After his senior year Marbury was named New York State Mr. Basketball, after averaging 27.4 points, 8.3 assists and 3 steals per game. He was often heralded as the next great NYC point guard. While still attending Abraham Lincoln High School he was one of the subjects of Darcy Frey's book The Last Shot. In high school, he played for the AAU team the New York Gauchos. He was named a 1995 McDonald's All-American. At Georgia Tech, Marbury took over the starting point guard role left vacant with Travis Best's departure. Teaming with future NBA players Matt Harpring and Drew Barry, Marbury led Georgia Tech to a 24–12 record en route to the Regional Semi-final game of the NCAA tournament. For the season, Marbury averaged 18.9 ppg and 4.5 assists and was named a Third Team All American by the Associated Press. Following the season he declared himself eligible for the 1996 NBA draft.

Reader's Guide

Marbury was selected fourth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1996 NBA draft, then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the draft rights to Ray Allen and a future first-round pick. In his first season, he averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 assists per game and was named to the 1997 All-Rookie Team. He and Kevin Garnett led the Timberwolves to the NBA playoffs in 1997 and 1998. During the lockout-shortened 1999 season, Marbury's agent demanded a trade. Marbury was ultimately traded to the New Jersey Nets. While in New Jersey, Marbury made the All-NBA 3rd Team in 2000 and was selected as a reserve for the 2001 All-Star Game. He also scored a career-high 50 points on February 13, 2001. Marbury was traded to the Phoenix Suns in the 2001 offseason. As a Sun, Marbury made his second All-Star team and the All-NBA 3rd team in 2003. He was traded to the New York Knicks on January 5, 2004. Marbury played for the U.S. in the 2004 Summer Olympics, scoring a U.S. team Olympic record 31 points in a game against Spain. During the 2005–06 season Marbury feuded with head coach Larry Brown. The public feud was one of the reasons Larry Brown was fired. The start of the 2007–08 season found Marbury again involved in a public feud, this time with Isiah Thomas. Following a season-ending ankle surgery in February 2008, Isiah Thomas hinted that Marbury could have played his final game in a Knicks uniform. After Mike D'Antoni took over, Marbury competed with Chris Duhon for the starting point guard job, which Duhon won. On December 1, Marbury was banned from attending any Knicks' practices or games. On February 24, 2009, he signed with the Boston Celtics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Stephon Marbury in relation to the Timberwolves?

He served as a high-profile point guard selected early in the 1996 draft to lead the franchise's development. His presence defined the team's identity during its formative years despite eventual controversy surrounding his departure.

What jersey number and position did Marbury hold?

Marbury wore number 3 while operating primarily as the starting point guard for Minnesota. This uniform became synonymous with his flashy style of play on the court.

How was he originally acquired by the franchise?

The organization obtained his rights when he was chosen third overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was immediately expected to be the cornerstone player for the young roster.