Former New York Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury is attempting to do his part to curb the spread of coronavirus in New York City.
Marbury is working on a deal to provide 10 million masks to hospital workers fighting against the pandemic, which has hit New York hard in the last few weeks, per Rich Calder of the New York Post:
Former Knicks star Stephon Marbury wants to deliver the Big Apple something it needs even more than an NBA title — 10 million N95 masks for hospital workers and other first responders handling the coronavirus pandemic.
Marbury, who played in the NBA 14 years before moving overseas to become a legend in the Chinese Basketball Association, told The Post he’s made arrangements with a mask supplier in China willing to sell New York 10 million masks “at cost” for $2.75 each – well below the roughly $7.50 price tag N95s normally run the state.
Marbury — who played for the Knicks from 2004 to 2008 and the New Jersey Nets from 1999 to 2001 — said he felt a responsibility to provide assistance as a Coney Island native who has had family and friends directly impacted by the illness:
“At the end of the day, I am from Brooklyn,” Marbury said during a call from his Beijing home. “This is something that is close and dear to my heart as far as being able to help New York.”
“I have family there in Coney Island, a lot of family … who are affected by this, so I know how important it is for people to have masks during this time.”
However, it appears there is a disconnect between Marbury and his partner, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and the other thought leaders in the city.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo have reportedly told Adams that hospitals do not need the additional masks, though a spokeswoman told Calder state officials would like to connect further.
In any case, Marbury is determined to do what he can to give back to his community, like so many other NBA players are doing.
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