"One of the most memorable scenes in NBA draft history happened in 1996, when Stephon Marbury cried tears of joy with his family after he was picked. Thirteen years later, the two-time All-Star said he is feeling similar joy on the eve of a new beginning with the Celtics.

Marbury told the Globe last night he would be in Boston early this morning after driving from New York City. Marbury, 32, planned to be at shootaround in Waltham after clearing waivers at 10 a.m. Then he'll sign with the Celtics for a prorated veteran's minimum of $1.3 million after being embroiled in an ugly suspension and buyout with the Knicks that ended Tuesday. The 6-foot-2-inch Marbury said whether he is available to play against Indiana tonight remains to be seen, but he's ready.

He spoke with the Globe over the phone last night:

Q: How excited are you about coming to the Celtics?

SM: "This is the happiest I've been since being drafted, man. I'm so happy that it doesn't even feel real. It feels, it just feels like, it feels different to finally be able to get the opportunity to go play for a team that's established. Everyone is on the same page. There is one goal, and that's winning a ring, winning the trophy.

"I'm walking into an environment where it's stable, controlled by the players because the players police themselves. You don't have to have the coach police what is going on. Everyone seems to have it together and it looks like a family. That's what it's all about."

Q: What would you say to your skeptics who wonder why the Celtics are signing you despite your past problems?

SM: "That's OK. That's just a perspective that has been adapted from what someone else told them. If they weren't there and weren't in that circle, then they don't know."

Q: How does it feel to go to a team that is pretty much drama-free?

SM: "You don't know how good it feels to know that it's just one thing, to have fun. [Kevin Garnett] was like, 'Basketball is going to be fun again, kid.' Man, I can't wait. I'm so excited. I haven't slept in like three days."

Q: Are you in shape? Could you play against Indiana [tonight]?

SM: "I'm a hooper. It's just like playing inside the park. You play. I came in camp at 197 [pounds] and I'm at 199 [now]. I didn't gain any weight. I made sure I worked out, I was lifting weights, shooting the ball. I shot [Wednesday]. I'm not going to say that I'm in basketball shape or can play 30 minutes. But can I go play? Yeah, I can go play.""