Stephon Marbury dishes on Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and James Dolan

Stephon Marbury gave his thoughts on James Dolan, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. (AFP/Getty Images)

Former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury provided his thoughts to ESPNNewYork on the Carmelo Anthony-Amar'e Stoudemire duo, James Dolan's reasoning for signing marquee players and the Knicks' prospect as a playoff contender.

Speaking in Manhattan before taking off for China to resume playing for the Beijing Ducks, Marbury began the interview by dismissing Anthony and Stoudemire as a formidable duo, choosing to take an indirect shot at Knicks starting point guard Raymond Felton:

"Amare needs a point guard like Steve Nash (to thrive). He's a pick-and-roll guy, a pick-and-pop guy. He can't play in the half court where everything's slowed down."

When asked if he thought Anthony and Stoudemire could flourish together, Marbury said flatly, "Nope."

Prior to playing for the Knicks, Marbury played with Stoudemire on the Phoenix Suns during the 2002-03 season.

In talking about Dolan, Marbury speculated whether the Knicks owner brought Anthony to New York for financial reasons rather than a real belief that the former Nuggets forward could actually win games:

"I don't know if (Knicks owner James) Dolan brought him in to win games or to make money," Marbury said. "I think it was to make money."

When asked what the Knicks will look like come playoff time, Marbury was a little more positive:

"I think they have a good team," Marbury said. "They could make the second round (of the playoffs)."