Stephon Marbury explains the difference between basketball culture in China and the USA - 'Its harder in China'

"The NBA is the most elite; there's nothing you can do as far as comparing the NBA with basketball players playing a game," Marbury said. "But as we see, FIBA rules are completely different from NBA rules because if I'm playing FIBA rules, all I gotta do is double team... so many rules; the rules are different; it's not the same, so it's harder in China."

Challenges of playing

The move to China wasn't just about extending his career but about growth, adaptation, and finding a new way to connect with the sport he loves. The two-time All-NBA guard's legacy now spans continents, proving that basketball truly is a universal language, no matter the rules or where it's played.

However, he admitted to the difficulties he faced playing on a non-English-speaking continent.

"People look at it and say, But the guys are not that good; no, that has nothing to do with them being good; it's two Americans, and when there's one American on the floor, it's four Chinese dudes you're playing against, and there's four other Chinese players you're playing with... You gotta play with other dudes that don't speak English, and you gotta figure out how you're going to communicate with him while you're on the court," he said.

Communication is one of the biggest hurdles players encounter while playing overseas. They mostly rely on non-verbal cues and hand gestures. The cultural and linguistic barriers added another layer of complexity to an already demanding league. Yet Starbury thrived by scoring points and fostering a sense of unity with his Chinese teammates.

By the end of his playing career, the former NBA star had become more than just a basketball player. His immersion in Chinese culture and respect for the game's global variations led him to another chapter—coaching. Today, Stephon is a head coach in the CBA, where he continues to bridge cultural divides and share his love for the game.