Just this morning, the Daily News’ Frank Isola reported that Stephon Marbury’s day in New York could be numbered, citing “a high-ranking team official.” According to Isola, Isiah Thomas and James Dolan had discussions in recent days on a way to reduce Marbury’s minutes and/or rid the roster of him altogether.

Stories such of this – especially in a city like New York – often come and go. I wish I had a dime for every “anonymous source” and “high-ranking official” that has fueled an inflammatory and frequently fictional headline in the daily rags.

However, in this instance, it appears the Knicks and “Starbury” truly are on a collision course for a messy divorce. Multiple sources are now reporting that Marbury skipped this morning’s practice, and Isiah has told reporters that Mardy Collins will start in Marbury’s place tonight in Phoenix. Thomas, for his part, appears optimistic that Steph will return to the team. Said Zeke:

“It seems like he and I go through this every November, then a couple of weeks go by and we kind of kiss and make up, then we go back to the business of trying to win basketball games.”

Let me join Knicks fans throughout the metropolitan area in saying, good riddance. Fans have had to endure too many 4th quarter meltdowns during Marbury’s tenure in New York. His time here wasn’t all rotten, but enough is enough. If the Knicks have any sort of postseason aspirations, they will find a floor general who can keep this team calm and collected in crunch time. Regardless, this is yet more turmoil for a franchise that already has it in abundance. It will be very interesting to see how the team responds on the road tonight.