Marbury's Knicks Status "Not Resolved" in Meeting

Knicks players have grown tired of the repeated controversies caused by Marbury, especially because they'd like more focus on their improved play this season. New York (8-8) ended November at .500 or better for the first time since going 7-6 in 2004.

"I don't know what to say to that, more than I'm sorry he feels that way and I don't get the impression that we've done that," forward David Lee said. "But moving forward, as I said, this has just got to get taken care of whenever it gets taken care of and we've just got to focus on winning. And buying into comments like that or responding to them does nothing more than take the focus off our team and winning."

Richardson criticized Marbury after the game in Detroit, when the Knicks were forced to play short-handed after injuries and trades. He seemed amused when asked about Marbury's comments after practice.

"He's entitled to his opinion just like I am. And obviously I said what I said and he feels differently about that, and he's entitled to that," Richardson said. "The main thing we want to do is we want to play basketball and win games. These aren't the things we want to come off the court and talk about."

Marbury isn't part of D'Antoni's plans and has been on the inactive list most of the season. However, D'Antoni twice asked Marbury if he would play when the Knicks were undermanned.

"Mike had no intentions of me playing basketball here," Marbury said. "He gave me straight disrespect. It was beyond disrespect. He put in (Danilo) Gallinari, whose back is messed up and (who) didn't participate at all in training camp ahead of me (in the season opener). ... That's saying, `I'm letting you have it right now.' He was sticking it to me."

Marbury also blasted D'Antoni in another interview with the Post last week, saying he didn't trust the coach. Asked about Marbury's comments about playing time, D'Antoni said: "I hate that. Obviously he's in a tough position and I don't think anybody's thrilled with where anybody is, but that's not really true. Again, I'm sure he feels that way and I can understand."