Starbury Headed for Boston?

According to many Boston sources, Stephon Marbury will be a Celtic within the next few days. What does this mean for Boston? Can they really handle a player like Steph who, along with Knicks management, has been at the root of one of the longer-running soap operas in professional sports? To be as concise as possible, the short answer is "yes".

The Celtics are in an enviable position. They're one of the front-runners for the Larry O'Brien trophy, they're defending champions and everybody and their mother wants to play for them. Guys who are looking for a championship will sacrifice money, playing time and a big role just to play there. That's why Boston was able to sign veteran journeyman Mikki Moore and is in the process of acquiring former All-Star Stephon Marbury.

Let's be honest, Starbury's stock isn't exactly at its peak right now. He was disastrous in New York and doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to team chemistry. So why should we assume all will be well once he puts on that Boston-green? We should assume this because the man's ultimate goal, even more than winning a championship, is to change his image. Marbury needs to go from a me-first, team-second-type player to the person every team would welcome with open arms. That is the only situation where he can take on a large role - a role he's been accustomed to for the better part of his career. He'll go to Boston. He'll be a model citizen, and he'll help them in any way possible coming off of that bench, because Steph has his long-term interests in mind.

And it's not as if he won't be an important piece to the Celtics' puzzle. With point guard Rajon Rondo averaging 33 minutes and shooting guard Ray Allen logging 36 minutes, there will be about 20+ minutes nightly for Marbury to make a new name for himself.

Sticking to hypotheticals, let's say my bold prediction comes up short. What if he can't handle being a bench player with a limited role? What if he turns into "Me-bury" again and destroys team chemistry - That's the beauty of the situation from Boston's perspective. They're signing him for pennies on the dollar. They can afford to lose him without taking a financial hit because, with Marbury or without Marbury, they have a good shot at winning a title.

Whether Stephon Marbury will be an unequivocal success or an unmitigated disaster, one thing is certain - we're all going to be paying extra-close attention to the Celtics for the next few months, 'cause you never know what's going to happen when Starbury is in town.