Associated Press
WALTHAM, Mass. ó Stephon Marbury cleared waivers, and the Boston Celtics hoped to have the New York Knicks castoff in uniform for Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Marbury, a former All-Star guard who alienated Knicks management, teammates and fans, was having his physical at the Celtics’ suburban practice facility.
He agreed to a buyout of his $20.8 million contract and was waived by New York on Tuesday. The Celtics were expected to sign him for a pro-rated share of the veteran’s $1.3 million minimum.
“There’s still a lot to be worked out,” general manager Danny Ainge said. “I’m guessing it will all be done today. I’m hoping.”
Marbury, who turned 32 last week, hasn’t played a regular-season game in more than a year.
“I believe all systems are go and we will have Stephon on the roster later today,” Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck said in an e-mail to The Associated Press about an hour after Marbury cleared waivers.
Marbury could be seen from the public area of the workout facility wearing a white, long-sleeved T-shirt and sweatpants, jumping up and down as he took the practice court, smiling and chest-bumping with several people wearing Celtics gear. After few minutes, the automatic shades were lowered.
Marbury is expected to back up Rajon Rondo at point guard, a role Sam Cassell served when the Celtics won their 17th NBA title last season. Eddie House, who is more of a shooter, has been forced into the role this year; Cassell did not play in a game for Boston this year before he was traded.
Marbury took a long leave of absence from the Knicks when his father died in December 2007.
He returned to the Knicks in training camp, but when the sides tried to negotiate a buyout early in the season, Marbury at first refused to surrender any more than $1 million of his $20.8 million salary and the team told him to stay home until it could be completed.