Stephon Marbury's next chapter

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Former NBA All-Star, three-time CBA champion Stephon Marbury is about to embrace his life's new chapter by becoming head coach of a basketball club with the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

Marbury will be coaching his former team Beikong Flying Dragons and has reached an agreement in terms of the contract. The signing procedure is expected to come next week.

Marbury's decision came with no surprise as the all-time Beijing darling made himself a household name with his stunning performance and demonstrated leadership spirits during his six seasons at Beijing Ducks.

Marbury led Beijing Ducks to claim three CBA championships in four years, building a dynasty for his team within the league. During his six years with Beijing Ducks, Marbury became the first foreign player to win the regular season MVP title and was honored MVP for CBA's finals in the 2014-2015 season.

Stephon Marbury leads Beijing Ducks to claim 2014-2015 CBA championship. / VCG Photo

The Ducks dedicated a statue to Marbury after he led them to a championship in 2012. And in 2015, Marbury received a permanent residence card to stay in China and made an honorary citizen of the capital city, both rare honors only extended to foreigners who made big contributions to the country.

Marbury terminated his contract with the Beijing Ducks in 2017 and played for another basketball club in Beijing – Beikong Flying Dragons where he retired as a 20-year veteran and also a sports hero for the city. And it is this team Marbury now has decided to become its head coach, continuing his relationship with Chinese basketball.

Stephon Marbury greets the audience after his retiring game with Beikong Flying Dragons. /VCG Photo

And perhaps Marbury's vision to become a coach upon retirement has long been brewing. While he was playing for Beijing Ducks, Marbury has expressed his willingness to become a coach after his basketball player's career.

Shortly upon retirement, Marbury co-founded and became head coach of the Stronger Me Basketball Training Camp, in an attempt to continue the positive impact he has brought to the city.

"Basketball is what brought me here and changed my life forever," he said. "It's important for me to continue to create a foundation that the younger generation will be able to build on."

Stephon Marbury signs his name on his jersey for fans in Beijing. /VCG Photo‍

What distinguishes his camp from other NBA players would be, like Marbury said, "the difference is that I will be here because I'm living in China, and I will be active in participating with the kids."

With that, it doesn't surprise us as Marbury would further his coaching career, to become head coach of a professional basketball team within CBA, as it is the best way for him to continue his love and commitment to the game and Beijing.