According to Newsday, Stephon Marbury has said in a published report yesterday that he plans to go back to playing like "Starbury," his description of the freelancing style he prefers.

Marbury, whose numbers are down this season, claims he's tried to play coach Larry Brown's style, which has resulted in only 17 wins in 61 attempts, and now it is time that he go back to playing his natural style.

"So what do I do now, as far as the way I play?" Marbury said in the interview. "I go back to playing like Stephon Marbury, aka 'Starbury.' I haven't been 'Starbury' this year. I've been some other dude this year ... When you watch the games, that's not Stephon Marbury."

"If this was my contract year and I went to any organization, based on how I played this year, and asked for the max, tell me what they would tell me," .Marbury said in the interview. "They'd say, 'That ain't happening.' "

Brown has long complained about the team ignoring the called plays, including in a recent close loss to the Chicago Bulls.

On Saturday, Brown described newly acquired guard Steve Francis as "low-maintenance" and "fun to be around." Meanwhile, Marbury praised Charlotte coach Bernie Bickerstaff for allowing rookie point guard Raymond Felton to "play freely."

Marbury has three years valued at $60.3 million remaining on his contract, making him extremely difficult to move, while Brown has another four seasons at $10 per season.

Marbury's name wasn't mentioned specifically, but team owner James Dolan recently said buyouts are a possibility this summer. The way things are going, Newsday writes, Dolan might have to decide whether he wants to buy out Marbury or Brown.