The forgotten NBA star, who was a four-time All-Star, claims he “changed the game” and is investing in a pro basketball team
Retired NBA player Shawn Marion believes he changed the game of basketball over his 16-year career.
Marion, 45, was a four-time All-Star and helped the Dallas Mavericks win the 2011 NBA title over LeBron James and the favored Miami Heat.
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During his career, the 1.90 meter tall and 110 kilogram Marion was known for his unorthodox shooting technique.
He also played either the small or power forward position.
After Marion’s retirement in 2015, the concept of small ball and positional basketball only took off.
In an interview with Sam Gordon of the Las Vegas Review-Journal Last month, Marion claimed he changed basketball with his small-ball style of play.
“I can honestly say I changed the game. “I’ve been instrumental in changing the game that we’re watching right now,” Marion said.
He continued, “Small ball. Positionless basketball. Of course it was a challenge. I didn’t agree at first. I am 1.90 meters tall and weigh 110 kilograms. You hired me to guard 7 foot guards. It wasn’t an easy transition.”
Marion added: “But I made it. We made it. It is what it is now. It’s what everyone is doing now.”
Drafted #9 by the Phoenix Suns in the 1999 NBA Draft, Marion has averaged over 20 points per game twice (in 2002 and 2005).
He then played for four different teams and averaged 15.2 points per game in his career.
In 2018, three years after his retirement, Marion and former NBA player Matt Walsh became controlling shareholders in Australia’s National Basketball League’s New Zealand Breakers.
And Marion was first approached by Walsh about the business opportunity.
“It was pretty easy to bring that to my attention,” Marion said. via Forbes.
“He just told me to come in, I could be the face and sharer and my thought was, why not?
“It would be fun for both of us.”
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