NZL - Marks leaves Spurs for Suns in Western Conference

 WIN a trip to the FIBA World Championship Finals weekend

PHOENIX (FIBA World Championship) - Former New Zealand center Sean Marks has joined the Phoenix Suns on a one-year contract.

The 30-year-old averaged 3.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 25 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs. A seven-year veteran, Marks has averaged 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds in 105 career games with San Antonio, Miami and Toronto.

Having taken the difficult decision to retire before the FIBA World Championship, Marks says his international experience has helped him become a better player. He aveaged more than 14 points and eight rebounds at the FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis four years ago when the Tall Blacks reached the semi-finals.

"International ball is played a little differently," he said on the Suns' official website. "On the New Zealand team, which I’m now retired from, it was great because I was one of the go-to guys there and there was a lot more pressure on me to perform. I think that helped just build confidence and get me ready for the action I see in the NBA."


The 6ft 10in Marks becomes the sixth international player on the Suns, joining two-time reigning MVP Steve Nash (Canada), Boris Diaw (France), Leandro Barbosa (Brazil), Raja Bell (Virgin Islands) and Pat Burke (Ireland).

Marks will bolster the Suns' frontcourt, who have endured their share of injuries in the past 12 months.

Knee injuries forced Amare Stoudemire to miss much of last season and the FIBA World Championship (Team USA) and a knee problem also knocked Shawn Marion out of the American team this summer.

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