by Marc Berman, New York Post

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Marbury's new tact sounded as if he was daring the Knicks to play him now that they are in desperate need of guard help. Marbury actually used the word "we" when talking about the Knicks' chances against the Cavaliers Wednesday night.

However, it may be too late after his recent rips on his teammates and coach Mike D'Antoni. If Cuttino Mobley files for a medical retirement because of a heart condition, the Knicks would have an open roster spot to sign a guard. Sources said they may be desperate enough to consider former All-Star shooting guard Allan Houston, now an assistant to the general manager.

"If they give me a uniform, I'm going to go out and play," Marbury told The Post yesterday. "It's their choice. I was getting ready to go back to practice and play [after Saturday's suspension]."

It was a departure from his comments made on Thanksgiving when he said, "This needs to end. The marriage is over."

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he expects Marbury buyout talks to resume following Monday's failed meetings. The sides are now $3 million apart after Marbury withdrew his offer to take $1 million less than his contract, which has him earning $21.9 million.

"The negotiations are over," Marbury said. "That's what they don't realize. I was wrong to try to buy my freedom. The money is off the table. I came to them with the million dollars. I didn't have to give them nothing."

A Knicks official debriefed on the situation said Marbury is under the wrong impression if he thinks he's banned completely from the practice facility, as Marbury said Tuesday. The Knicks said Marbury is allowed to use the facility to work out when the team is on the road or isn't practicing. Walsh sent Marbury another letter yesterday to clarify.

If Marbury is waived or Mobley retires, some members of the coaching staff feel the 37-year-old Houston could fill the role. He's been attending every practice and working on the court with the team. Houston, who has been traveling with the team, admitted it's crossed his mind, but only in an emergency. "I feel good, I feel I could do it," he said.

Houston was unable to play any of the preseason games because of quad soreness. Walsh is more eager to get Patrick Ewing Jr., a small forward, back in the fold.