Stephon Marbury may be one of the most disliked sports figure in New York history, but the outspoken Coney Island native -- who's now living a grand life in China  -- still has a lot to say about his childhood former team.

"Amare needs a point guard like Steve Nash (to thrive). He's a pick-and-roll guy, a pick-and-pop guy. He can't play in the half court where everything's slowed down," Marbury told ESPN New York during a brief interview in Manhattan on Wednesday.

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So yes, Marbury also believes this Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire pairing is a bad idea. While Marbury may be mocked for his comments, the honest fan should let personal feelings aside and realize that Marbury may have a point -- these Knicks have simply been mediocre since the trade for Carmelo Anthony over a year and half ago.

But the way Marbury put it will sure draw ire from New York fans. When asked if he thought Anthony and Stoudemire could flourish together, Marbury said flatly, "Nope."

In addition to his thoughts on Stoudemire, Marbury also questioned the Knicks' motivation in obtaining Anthony. New York executed a three-team blockbuster deal to bring Anthony in from Denver in February 2011.

"I don't know if (Knicks owner James) Dolan brought him in to win games or to make money," Marbury said. "I think it was to make money."

Marbury then offered, perhaps, a back-handed compliment: 

"I think the Knicks could be good, they could make the second round of the playoffs". 

Ouch.

Marbury currently plays for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association. He led the team to a championship last season and is heading back to China this week.