Stephon Marbury to star in Chinese play about himself

If Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest and soon to be known as The Pandas Friend, expects to become the most popular former NBAer in China, he'll be hard-pressed to surpass Stephon Marbury's local celebrity.

Marbury, whose popularity skyrocketed in China after leading the Beijing Ducks to a Chinese Basketball Association championship in 2012, already has a statue outside Wukesong Stadium in Beijing, and now he's going to have his own play.

Via Sports Illustrated, a play about Marbury's life during that 2011-12 season, entitled "I Was Marbury," will run from October 1-11, with tickets ranging in price from $30 to $270.

In addition, Marbury will play himself in the few scenes his character is needed, and the show will feature a new guest star every night, including Yao Ming.

Marbury, who won another championship with the Ducks this past season, has been out of the NBA for five years.