<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">WASHINGTON - Stephon Marbury said he believes Eddy Curry should be selected by the coaches for the All-Star Game, revealing the Knicks 6-11 center has a new nickname in the locker room. "We're calling him 'E City' because he's taking over New York," Marbury told The Post before last night's heartbreaking 99-98 loss in Washington. "The NBA needs new stars in the All-Star Game. That's the way the game would be more appealing for people to have something to work for as a short term goal." Starters will be announced next Thursday, when coaches get emailed ballots to vote on reserves. If Shaquille O'Neal backs out of the game, then David Stern will have to select a big man to replace him and the commissioner would probably love to see a Knick in Las Vegas on Feb. 18 to boost ratings. The Knicks haven't had an All-Star since Allan Houston in 2001. Last night, Curry was relatively neutralized but still managed 18 points and 8 rebounds - the double teams opening the perimeter for Quentin Richardson's 35-point air show. "Eddy has been the best center in the game other then Yao (Ming)," Marbury said. "I think he is the difference in our team as far as the short-term success that he is having." "The way that he is playing is mind-blowing because a lot of people knew he had it in him, but now he is proving he's a big-time center," Marbury said. </div> Source
