Former New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury wants to chip in and help New York City obtain the items they need to combat the coronavirus.
Marbury conducted an interview with New York Post on Sunday from his home in Beijing, China. The former NBA star confirmed that he is working to use his China connections to bring supplies to the United States.
He also revealed he got the idea to pitch in when he heard of the city’s lack of protective gear for medical professionals on the front line of the coronavirus crisis. The inflated cost of the supplies also caught Marbury’s attention.
Instead of the current $7.50 per N95 mask the city is currently being quoted, Marbury’s supplier will be selling “at-cost” for $2.75/ per mask.
Despite living overseas, Marbury is still a New York native and he wants to pitch in amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“At the end of the day, I am from Brooklyn,” Marbury told the Post. “This is something that is close and dear to my heart as far as being able to help New York.”
He continued, “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.”
Marbury’s commitment to New York City follows the death of one of his family members. On Sunday, Marbury revealed his cousin died due to complications from the coronavirus.
“I’ve lost loved ones to this invisible monster. I have a cousin who died yesterday due to the coronavirus my family is dealing with a very difficult time,” Marbury told NBC 4 New York.
With China on the road to recovery from the coronavirus, Marbury’s connection reportedly has access to a surplus of masks. Two million masks could be sent weekly over the course of the next five weeks.