Stephon Marbury is now a basketball megastar in China after being an all-star performer in the NBA for many years. Marbury has rebuilt his image and brand since leaving the NBA, and he is now adored in China. From winning championships to even getting a statue built Marbury is like the Michael Jordan of the Chinese Basketball Association. After being an enigma for most of his career in the NBA, Marbury has matured as a person and player. Marbury was one of the most talented players in arguably one of the best draft classes in NBA history– the 1996 NBA Draft. Marbury may have not have ended his career like Ray Allen, who he was traded for on draft night, but Marbury’s basketball chapter has been a fun and unique ride.
Marbury, who normally remains low-key, is rebuilding his Starbury brand. The Starbury brand kicked off in 2006, but faltered in 2009. The brand was highlighted with basketball shoes that cost significantly less than the much adored shoes endorsed by Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan. Marbury is currently in the process of re-launching his shoes. The whopping price of the shoe will remain at $15, which is significantly less that the $200 pair of LeBron’s Kobe’s and Jordan’s that come out every weekend. Marbury tweeted his displeasures about the price of Jordan’s and how it impacts the culture in a negative manner. Marbury also claims that the shoes are made in the same factory as his much cheaper model.
To some, it sounds like a hater move that Marbury is speaking on what many people have been saying for years. He makes a lot of valid points, but I don’t think anything will change. People will continue to fight, stand in line, and do whatever it takes to get the retro Jordan’s. It’s sad, but true that this is an ongoing cycle that has been going on since the 1980’s. It’s great to see Marbury try to be a voice of reason and implement change, but to be honest things will remain the same.
