"We had that chemistry, where when you're playing, you don't have to think" - Stephon Marbury talks about the chemistry he had with Kevin Garnett

When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected point guard Stephon Marbury with the fourth pick in the 1996 Draft. They partnered up him with an equally intrepid young man, 20-year-old power forward Kevin Garnett . The team had seemingly found the foundations of what could be a powerhouse team in the Western Conference.

"Starbury," as Stephon would be popularly known, was a powerfully built 6'3" guard with a lightning-quick first step and nuclear athleticism. He used these to get past defenders, propel himself to the rim, and finish over the league's most intimidating rim protectors. More importantly, he quickly forged a meaningful bond with KG.

Marbury and Garnett, both products of tough inner-city neighborhoods, shared a unique bond that was the perfect breeding ground for their chemistry on the court. Their ability to trust each other's instincts and find each other on the court was unparalleled. Their connection was so strong that it almost seemed like they were telepathic at times.

Nobody had better chemistry

Speaking on his connection with "The Big Ticket" early in his career, the retired guard referred to what his mother once said.

"She said, 'Stephon, ain't nobody; you and Kevin had the best chemistry. Nobody had better chemistry than you guys on a basketball court,'" the two-time All-Star revealed .

Stephon hit the ground running in Minnesota, averaging 15.8 points and 7.8 assists per game in his rookie year, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race. With "Coney Island's Finest" and "Da Kid" clicking on all cylinders, the Wolves made the NBA Playoffs as the third seed but got swept by the Houston Rockets.

"Playing with Kev was like playing with my mind on the court. He knew what I wanted to do, and I knew what he wanted to do. He knew when to throw me the basketball, and I knew when to throw him the basketball. I knew when he wanted to go, and he knew when I was going. We just knew," Stephon remarked. "We just had that vibe, that chemistry on the court where, when you're playing, you don't have to think."

Marbury's sophomore season was even better, averaging 17.7 points and 8.6 rebounds to help Minny get a 45-37 record and secure a match-up against the vaunted Seattle Supersonics. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves weren't able to get over the hump as they lost the series 3-2. That also proved to be Stephon's and KG's final hurrah.

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Egos got in the way

In 1999, Marbury shocked the franchise by requesting a trade. His departure was a significant blow to the team, as many, including KG, believed that Stephon's decision was fueled by his desire to be the star of the show, a distinction he could never have in Minnesota, especially after the team inked Garnett to a massive $126 million deal.

"I'm very real with these guys now. I tell them straight up how it is. I tell them there is only one thing that can mess this up: egos. I tell them because I lived it. Because that's what messed us up with Steph," Garnett said in 2020, referring to the clash of egos and the struggle for dominance that ultimately led to Marbury's departure.

Tom Gugliotta, an All-Star who contributed significantly to Minnesota's rise in the Western Conference, echoed KG's beliefs.

"If you ask Steph, I'm sure he's the one kicking himself a bit. No matter what Steph did -- he could score 25, 30 points -- he still wasn't going to be the best player on our team. That was KG," Googs relayed.

In his defense, Starbury said his departure wasn't about fame or money but rather his desire not to spend much of his career in Minnesota. He eventually played close to home, suiting up for the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks, before leaving the United States to play pro ball in China. It was there where Marbury found success, becoming a beloved and legendary player and a mentor to young players.

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