New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - Donnie Walsh, new president of the New York Knicks, reportedly wants embattled point guard Stephon Marbury to return to the team next season.

According to a Friday story in the New York Post, Walsh met with Marbury and told him to work extra hard in the offseason and rehab his injured ankle so he could return as the Knicks starting point guard next season.

Marbury played in just 24 games this past season after being hampered by an ankle injury, which he had surgery to repair in January, and long leaves of absence the guard took after the death of his father.

He was also embroiled in a bitter and public feud with Knicks coach Isiah Thomas, which led to Marbury being benched for long stretches before being shut down for the season.

Thomas took much of the blame for New York's dismal 23-59 season, and it is reported that his removal from his coaching position is imminent. Thomas was already relieved of his duties as team president when Walsh came over from the Indiana Pacers, but it is believed Thomas could stay with the franchise in some capacity.

Marbury averaged 13.9 points and 4.7 assists per game last season. The two- time NBA All-Star has averaged 19.7 points and 7.8 assists in 823 games over his 12-year career with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix and New York.