Posted Nov 22 2008 3:01AM
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Stephon Marbury was in uniform for the New York Knicks against Milwaukee on Friday night, but passed on a chance to play for the first time this season.
Marbury has been relegated to the bench all season. But the Knicks traded away three players in two separate deals earlier Friday, forcing them to dress Marbury to have the league-mandated eight active players.
"We have eight able bodies," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said before the game. "That's what the league makes you have, so that's what we'll have."
| Related Video | |
| D'Antoni on his conversation with Marbury | |
 | Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni explains the playing time situation regarding guard Stephon Marbury.  Play 1:17 |
Only seven played, though, in the Knicks' 104-87 loss to the Bucks, as Marbury again took his now-customary spot on the bench. D'Antoni said afterward that he wanted Marbury to play, but wasn't mad at him and didn't consider his decision insubordination.
"But that's enough of the talk, because it is a distraction, and we need to go forward," D'Antoni said. "We've got a new team coming in."
Indeed they do.
| Related Video | |
| Marbury on why he didn't play | |
 | Knicks guard Stephon Marbury explains why he didn't play Friday against the Bucks. Play 1:11 |
Earlier Friday, New York traded Jamal Crawford to Golden State for forward Al Harrington, then sent Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Cuttino Mobley and forward Tim Thomas.
With New York's top two scorers, Randolph and Crawford, suddenly out the door, D'Antoni said he offered Marbury the chance to play Friday, saying 30 to 35 minutes would be available.
Why did Marbury refuse?
"The only thing I'm at liberty to say is that I was told that they were moving forward, and I'm not the person who chooses who plays or doesn't," Marbury said.
But wasn't that at the beginning of the season?
"I was told that today, too," Marbury said.
Marbury refused to answer additional questions.
New York's new additions might not be available to play until Tuesday's game against Cleveland, leaving it considerably short-handed for the time being. The Knicks also play Saturday at home against Washington.
 | Amar'e Teardrop Tattoo Amar?e Stoudemire honors his late brother Hazell by getting a teardrop tattoo just under his right eye. |
 | Gibson Slam Ronnie Brewer passes to Taj Gibson for the monster slam. |
 | Hawks vs. Lakers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum both notch double-doubles in the Lakers' 86-78 win over the Hawks. |
 | Evans Circus Shot Tryeke Evans drives the paint, gets the circus shot to fall and gets the foul. |
 | Play of the Day Jeremy Lin nails the game winning 3-point shot with .9 seconds left and scores a game high 27 points and 11 assists. |
 | The Fan Night Zap Check out all the action from Fan Night in the NBA! |
 | Fan Night Top 10 Jeremy Lin's Game-winning 3-pointer headlines the Fan Night's Top 10 plays. |
 | Fan Night-ly Notable Jeremy Lin nails the game winning 3-point shot with .9 seconds left and scores a game high 27 points and 11 assists. |
 | Block of the Night LeBron James deflects the pass, gets the block and saves the loose ball all on the same defensive possession. |
 | Dunk of the Night Nicolas Batum drives straight down the paint and gives JaVale McGee a facial. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner - SI Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
