Marbury backs off plan to practice with high school team

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Knicks guard Stephon Marbury backed off Friday on a plan to practice with his old high school team while he's not getting playing time with New York.

Marbury had expressed interest Thursday in practicing with his alma mater, Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, to stay in shape while he's stuck on the bench for the Knicks.

"I'm not going to do it," Marbury said Friday. "I spoke to the Players' Association and they said it wouldn't be a good idea."

Although Marbury dressed for the team's Friday morning shootaround, the guard hasn't appeared in any games this season and isn't expected to play against the Washington Wizards on Friday night.

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni hadn't heard of Marbury's plan when asked about it before the shootaround, but had no problem with the idea.

"I think the main thing is he wants to stay ready," D'Antoni said. "And in this day and age I think that's commendable."

Marbury said he felt practicing with his old high school team would help him stay in shape, as well as help the young players. He may still go and watch the school practice.

"It would be a lot of fun just to be there and talking with them about the game," he said.