Lace Code Readers!!

We’re back with another edition of turning Stephon Marbury into a Hall of Famer. As I’ve been saying, I think he’s already a lock — but last season might have officially solidified it.

Marbury is now a 6× NBA Champion.

We defeated the OKC Thunder — the young trio of KD, Russ, and Harden — in a tough seven-game series. I knew it would be a battle because when we played them in the regular season, every game was close. This one went the distance, but we pulled it out. Melo won Finals MVP for the third time. He now has four rings and three FMVPs.

Marbury followed up his previous season of 22.7 points and 9.5 assists with 20.2 and 9.4. Another year averaging at least 20 and 6. He also shot 55/45/90, giving him another 50/40/90 season. Tremendous year. Because of it, he became an 8× All-Star. I thought he should’ve made an All-NBA team, but the voters disagreed. That would’ve been nice for the résumé, but the championship mattered most.

On top of Marbury’s All-Star nod, Melo added another All-Star appearance and a Second Team All-NBA selection to go with his Finals MVP. Melo’s résumé now: 8× All-Star, 4× Champion, 3× Finals MVP, 5× Second Team All-NBA, 1× First Team, and 2× Third Team. He’s built himself a Hall of Fame résumé too — which isn’t surprising, considering he’s one in real life, as he should be.

Now I just need the Knicks to retire his No. 7 in real life. That jersey deserves to be in the rafters. I’d also find it very odd if 2K doesn’t retire Marbury’s No. 3 when he hangs it up in this universe.

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Offseason Moves (2012–13 Season)

I made some roster changes heading into the 2012–13 season.

I moved on from O.J. Mayo. Not because I didn’t like him — I did — but I really wanted to play with JR Smith, and having both would’ve been redundant (and bad for cap space).

I also signed AI to come off the bench. It’s probably his last season, and I wanted him on my team at least once. I might do another franchise later where I get prime AI.

In the draft, I grabbed:

• Andre Drummond
• Perry Jones
• Quincy Miller
• Toure’ Murray

I was a big fan of those guys growing up. One of my brother’s friends put me onto Quincy Miller back in high school, and I still remember his Ball Is Life mixtape. I’m definitely going to try to turn him into something.

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Current Lineup

Starters:
Marbury / Smith / Melo / Greene / Thomas

Bench:
Drummond / Flynn / Shumpert / AI / Jimmer / Jones

Murray and Miller are in the D-League (G-League), hopefully developing.

I’m honestly hoping Steph declines just enough that I can move Flynn into the starting role for a couple of seasons before Lonzo and Ja arrive. I’ve also been thinking Andrew Wiggins could be a perfect fit with my long-term vision of Lonzo/Ja/Zion. He might complement that core well — but I’ll debate that when the time comes.

I’m stacking draft picks, so I should be able to trade up if I don’t naturally land a top selection.

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Marbury’s Career Résumé (So Far)

• 6× Champion
• 3× Finals MVP
• 2× MVP
• 8× All-Star
• 2× First Team All-NBA
• 2× Second Team All-NBA
• 2× Third Team All-NBA
• All-Rookie First Team
• 14 straight seasons averaging at least 20/6

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind.

Stephon Marbury is a Hall of Famer in this 2K universe, and when it’s all said and done, that No. 3 will be hanging in the rafters.

– Jett Garden