"It's unclear how Antoine Walker feels about his old number 8 being handed around by his old team as if it was spare change.

But Stephon Marbury, unable to wear his customary No. 3 because it has been retired in honor of the late Dennis Johnson, said yesterday that he specifically requested No. 8.

"It's a personal fit for where I'm going," said a cryptic Marbury, who said his only reason for the request was that it fit his desire for a fresh start.

"(No. 3) was not even a thought for me," he said of the number he has worn since his earliest years as part of a family tradition with his four brothers.

Marbury didn't wear the number during his three seasons as a Net, because that franchise had retired the number in honor of the late Drazen Petrovic.

"I've seen a whole list of the people who have worn No. 8," said Marbury, who admittedly had never heard of Brandon Wallace, the last Celtic to wear the number.

Beyond Walker, the most notable C's to wear No. 8 included Al Jefferson (for one season before switching to No. 7 when Walker rejoined the team) and 1980s reserve Scott Wedman.

Mobbing media

Paul Pierce, his face frozen in mock surprise at the large group of New York media assembled in the Celtics [team stats] locker room before the Celtics' 115-111 win last night, said, "This much media in New Jersey? I've never seen that before."

Pierce took a picture of the group, on hand for Marbury's return to the New York area, and later joked, "Next year we won't have to worry about this."

Marbury held court with two large groups of media yesterday - the first following the team's shootaround at John Jay College in Manhattan, and the second prior to last night's game.

He remained collected, bland and spoke highly of his new situation.

"People can form their own opinion from what I've done," he said of Knicks fans. "But now I have the opportunity to play for the best team in the NBA."

As to whether his move to the Celtics has reignited his enjoyment of the game, Marbury added, "I love basketball. Basketball is something I've always had. But it's fun being in this environment now."

Marbury, known for his large family, was particularly thrilled with the ability to secure 15 tickets for last night's game.

The New Jersey crowd, however, wasn't loving their former point guard, booing him every time he touched the ball. By the end, he was actually smiling at the hecklers."