Former NBA All-Star and current CBA sensation Stephon Xavier Marbury has become a permanent resident of China.

Marbury, who left his playing career in the United States and a NBA deal worth $20 million dollars in 2010 to play professional basketball in China, has guided the Beijing Ducks to three CBA titles and was voted as CBA finals MVP.

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"I'm so thankful and blessed to receive my green card today from the Beijing Government. It's a true honor to be part of the capital of China," the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets hotshot said.

"I hope I can not only help win more championships but continue to bring positive energy and love," said Marbury, who is the first foreign player to get a residency card in the CBA's 21-year history.

The Chinese "green card" is hard to obtain. But Marbury is a very famous foreign sports celebrity in Beijing. Outside of the Ducks' home court, the Brooklyn-born has his own statue and even has a 300-square-meter area in the team's museum built to showcase his successful career.

Marbury is also a flourishing businessman, with his Starbury sneaker and apparel products found in thousands of stores across the country.

With the green card, Marbury will no longer have to apply for a visa in order to stay in China.

Marbury was selected 4^th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1996 NBA Draft, however he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is a two-time All-Star, taking part in the league's glamorous annual event in years 2001 and 2003.

He was named All-NBA Third Team member in the years 2000 and 2003 and was a part of the 1997 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

The 6-feet-2 point guard has formerly played with the New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics. Marbury entered the CBA playing for the Shanxi Brave Dragons in early 2010 before joining the Foshan Dralions for a season. 

TagsStephon Marbury, cba, NBA, Beijing Ducks, nba draft, starbury