Go
There comes a point in most undertakings in life where it's time to walk away. When two (or more) parties are involved, it becomes a little tougher, but the theory remains the same. Sometimes it's best to just get the hell outta Dodge.
Kenny Rogers was right smack on the money with his song The Gambler.
"You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, Know when to walk away and know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done."
There aren't many better images than this for where the New York Knicks and Stephon Marbury now find themselves. It's the classic stare-down. New York doesn't want to just tell Marbury to get out, and there's too much money on the table for him to walk away.
At the beginning of the season, the New York Knicks embodied by Donnie Walsh and 
Mike D'Antoni made it abundantly clear to Stephon Marbury that he was in no way, shape or form part of their plans for the future. Fast-forward to now: two massive trades involving guards Jamaal Crawford and Mardy Collins (and forward Zach Randolph) occurred. Then an injury to Nate Robinson... and health concerns for new-Knick Cuttino Mobley - this left the Knicks with only two healthy guards: Chris Duhon and Anthony Roberson. Marbury was told prior to at least two games (against the Bucks, and the Pistons) that if he wanted court-time, it was his for the taking.
Mike D'Antoni made it abundantly clear to Stephon Marbury that he was in no way, shape or form part of their plans for the future. Fast-forward to now: two massive trades involving guards Jamaal Crawford and Mardy Collins (and forward Zach Randolph) occurred. Then an injury to Nate Robinson... and health concerns for new-Knick Cuttino Mobley - this left the Knicks with only two healthy guards: Chris Duhon and Anthony Roberson. Marbury was told prior to at least two games (against the Bucks, and the Pistons) that if he wanted court-time, it was his for the taking.Marbury's response?
No thanks.
Whilst his refusal to have anything to do with the Knicks (other than cash paychecks from them) must be infuriating for the Knicks hierarchy, the implications for Marbury himself are even greater.
It's easy to understand Marbury's continued refusal to play. The Knicks made their opinion of him clear, but now that they need him, they turn up on his doorstep cap-in-hand and expect it of him. Most people would have the same reaction: thumb their nose at the arrogance displayed by these people.
But they'd be wrong too. 
Aside from the fact that it's a reasonable request made by the people who give him a very sizable amount of money, it could have repercussions on his career post-Knicks.
There was every possibility that a team would pick up Marbury for a deal once he finished with the Knicks (which could be any day now). But his "no thanks" and refusal to be a part of the team are indicative of an attitude that might end up making him as big a pariah in basketball as Barry Bonds is in baseball.
What should the Knicks do?
Cut their losses and run. Marbury's very presence is a cancer. He's clashed with pretty much every authority figure within the New York office - Larry Brown, Isiah Thomas, and now Mike D'Antoni/Donnie Walsh. This is a man that was once called "the most reviled athlete in New York" (New York Daily News).
It's well past time for New York to bid Stephon Marbury adieu.
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
