Celtics waiting to see whether Knicks will drop their guard

WALTHAM - Stephon Marbury is still a New York Knick, but if he becomes a Celtic, Ray Allen would be among those willing to accept him.

"It's speculation, I don't really have to think about it," Allen said after practice yesterday. "I learned a long time ago to deal with everything and everyone we have here, that's where our focus has to be."

But Marbury is in Allen's thoughts as the Celtics and Knicks prepare to meet in New York tonight.

"I think it is somewhat disappointing watching what has happened with Stephon," Allen said. "It's disappointing, because whatever is going on with the Knicks, I thought he could still help that team. It's not like he's a guy who can't play basketball anymore."

Marbury, responding to a report that he could join the Celtics, said he would be interested in doing so, if a buyout of his contract with the Knicks is settled.

Allen talked briefly with Marbury when the teams met in a preseason contest, but not since. But Allen said Marbury is likely gaining extra motivation.

"It's speculation, but if he has a reason for coming here," Allen said, "I'm sure he's taking care of himself.

"I haven't seen him play since we played him last, in the preseason. But, how he played against us, it wasn't like he was going down. I know how I feel and he's somewhat younger than me."

Allen and Marbury competed against each other as teenagers.

"He and I grew up playing together and against each other in high school, we were drafted together, and got traded for each other," Allen said. "I always followed his career."

Allen compared Marbury's situation to that of Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown, who joined the Celtics midway through last season, and said he trusted the decision-making of president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

"I know there was speculation about Sam being bought out and P.J. was at home, and we needed them down the stretch," Allen said, "and Danny was the guy who made those decisions. Danny is the guy who has to make those decisions and he is very qualified to make them.

"We have to focus on what to do on the floor. And, if it does happen, we'll move forward.

"Coming here, you get to fit in and be a cog in the wheel. You've got other players here who have won championships, All-Star players. We welcome the help. We are pretty selfless when it comes to sharing the basketball, and players we play against sense that.

"We beat teams together, we lose together, everything is together, and teams see that, players and coaches see that."

Marbury teamed with the Celtics' Kevin Garnett in Minnesota before being traded to New Jersey.

"Reuniting with Kevin is something that I would love," Marbury said in a recent interview in Minneapolis, where he attended a Timberwolves game. "Going to Boston would be great for basketball and for fans to see Kevin and I reunited, like when we were younger. There is some hope, if I can get out of my contract and they're interested in me. How can you deny the chance?"

Marbury also told the New York Post: "I would be honored to put on the white and green. The team that I am on has said they don't want me. I want to move on with my career. And they should want to move on."

Marbury, though, may prefer going to a team in need of a starting point guard. And the Knicks have been unwilling to settle his contract to allow him to play for an Eastern Conference foe, especially a team such as Miami, a likely rival for a playoff spot.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh plans to resume buyout talks with Marbury this week.

Asked about Marbury moving to the Celtics, Walsh said, "Boston? No, I really don't mind Boston." Miami, though, "would be different," Walsh said.

NBA Players Association attorney Hal Biagas has been given permission by the Knicks to talk to teams regarding Marbury. Biagas has contacted the Celtics.

Frank Dell'Apa can be reached at fdellapa@globe.com