Avery, Marbury Are Birds Af A Feather

With Stephon Marbury expected to sign with the Boston Celtics sometime today, one expects that New Yorkers will breathe a little easier. But as a certain hockey player comes closer and closer to coming to New York, another headache is on the horizon.

The player is Sean Avery, late of the Dallas Stars, currently filling a spot on the Rangers AHL affiliate. Like Marbury, he had signed with a big market team for a bundle and wore out his welcome fast. After stirring up problems in the dressing room, both players found themselves not playing their sport at all.

Marbury’s off-court antics (peaking in an infamous truck party) and fights with management led to an exile from the team and his eventual banning from practice. Avery’s off-ice problems – and especially saying Dion Phaneuf went after his sloppy seconds – led to his out from the league.

Both were suspended indefinitely, not allowed to dress for games or attend practice or even travel with the team. Avery went to counseling, Marbury infamously flew to LA to watch his Knicks play the Lakers.

And now, both players could end up in a homecoming kind of way. Avery is likely headed to the Rangers, the team where he first rose in stature in the past few seasons. Marbury is likely to sign with the Boston Celtics, where he would play alongside Kevin Garnett again, like his did in his Minnesota days.

Let’s not get carried away here, though, since there are some pretty big differences between the two. Marbury is the more talented of the two and in his prime was one of the best point guards in the NBA. He went to two All-Star games, led the league in assists in 2004 and has been named to two All-NBA teams.

Avery, at his best, is been a second-line forward who works best by drawing the other team into taking penalties. True, he scored 18 goals once, but he’s only had one season – his first – with less then a 150 penalty minutes.

Obviously, Marbury coming to the Celtics means a lot more on paper then Avery coming to the Rangers does.

The Celtics now have somebody to backup Rondo and Marbury is an improvement from Sam Cassell. Boston is hoping that either Garnett’s influence or Marbury’s desire to win a title will temper any problems that may arise, like if Marbury decides he doesn’t want to come off the bench.

Of course, him acting out is unlikely and doesn't give Marbury any credit. At this point in his career, Marbury likely realizes his situation and won't stir up much trouble.

But if Avery comes to New York, he doesn’t add much. A little depth, perhaps, but he doesn’t address their problems: their lack of a scorer, their lack of defence and their power play – it’s ranked 28th in the NHL right now, behind Tampa Bay, the NY Islanders and Phoenix. The Rangers have deeper problems then Avery can fix, but by signing him they at least look like they’re trying.

While he might not bring his baggage to the team – he loves the spotlight, but I’m sure he loves actually playing more – he doesn’t really solve anything and doesn’t make the Rangers any better.

If they can get him, anyway. Unlike Marbury, Avery has yet to clear waivers – and the rumour mill says St. Louis, Minnesota, Edmonton and Pittsburgh are all interested in him too.