Marbury: Thomas’ Future With Knicks Up To Dolan

Two weeks after Thomas demoted Marbury and his star playmaker bolted the team, leaving the Knicks in chaos, the truce between Westchester neighbors can best be described as uneasy and probably temporary.

“We’re fine,” said Marbury, a day after his best all-around game of the season as the Knicks ended their eight-game losing streak by defeating Chicago at the Garden. But when asked if he wanted Thomas to stay - which, according to Thomas, is going to happen, for the entire season - Marbury gave what was no more than a lukewarm endorsement.

“Yeah, I mean, why wouldn’t I? If he stays, that’s Mr. Dolan’s choice,” Marbury said, referring to Garden CEO Jim Dolan. “If (Dolan) lets him leave … like I said, it’s a business. It’s up to him. It’s not up to me or how I feel about it. I think everyone knows that we’re dealing with Mr. Dolan.”

Thomas said over the weekend that he doesn’t “foresee there being any changes this year,” and has intimated that he got that decree from above. But Dolan, who missed the Knicks’ 85-78 victory over the Bulls, has remained mum on that issue and all others pertaining to his 3-9 team by refusing to address the media since March.

When Marbury went AWOL in Phoenix, he threatened to dish the dirt on Thomas. While he has not followed through, he didn’t sound sold on Thomas’ contention that he will definitely complete the season.

“This business? You don’t know what can happen,” he said. “I mean, especially when you’re dealing with other people’s money. At the end of the day, this is a business, you know? You can talk about what you want, that this is a game. But it’s a business. And it’s about money.”

As much as Thomas thinks he’s safe, his job security likely hinges on whether Marbury continues to give him defense, leadership and solid all-around play, or if he veers off the strict program Thomas has set in place. Besides scoring 19 points, getting the ball to the right people at the right time and grabbing six boards, Marbury didn’t commit a turnover against the Bulls, while playing some of his best defense since coming to New York.

Thomas insists that when Marbury plays the way he wants him to, “we’re a really good basketball team.” But the Knicks, who play the Utah Jazz at the Garden tonight, have not come close to being very good so far. As a result, Marbury continues to be the target of boos in his home arena, and those could continue tonight if he slips up against Utah’s emerging star, Deron Williams.

“He grew up here, so he understands it better than anybody, and he accepts it and he deals with it,” Thomas said.

And Marbury has to deal with Thomas, who claims he’s harder on his point guard than on any other player and that “clashes” occasionally will occur.

“I don’t have delicate gloves with him,” Thomas said. “He’s strong enough, mentally, to take it. And he responds.”

As long as the truce is in place.

Source