Dallas-Mavs.com Forums - View Single Post - Banks to sign with Suns for 5 years, $21 million

jacktruth · 07-19-2006, 12:30 PM

I thought this was a decent pickup by the Suns, and a lucky break for Banks.

Banks to sign with Suns for 5 years, $21 million

Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jul. 19, 2006 12:00 AM

Marcus Banks and his family threw a surprise birthday party for his mother Saturday under the guise that she had to attend a meeting with a prospective NBA team.

He topped that surprise this week when the Las Vegas native firmed up plans to play closer to home with the Suns. Banks, who arrived in the Valley on Tuesday night, came to terms with the Suns on a five-year contract worth about $21 million. The deal could be official as soon as Thursday.

"We're honored to be with the Suns and a hop, skip and a jump away," his father, Arthur, said. "We really feel like it's an ideal fit with the Suns' style. Marcus is so ecstatic about it."

After nabbing only Eric Piatkowski in the first week of free agency, the Suns took care of their summer priority to find point guard relief for Steve Nash. Banks, 24, addresses what Phoenix tried to get earlier this month in Lindsey Hunter and then some.

With a strong 6-foot-2 frame, Banks is a noted defender but is far better offensively than Hunter and keeps the Suns younger.

Able to back up or team with Nash, Banks may challenge Leandro Barbosa as the team's quickest penetrator.

Any character concerns were wiped out by checks and a Monday dinner Banks had with coach Mike D'Antoni. Banks plays in Las Vegas in the summers with Shawn Marion, another former Runnin' Rebel.

"It could be really effective," Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, said. "He really likes D'Antoni. He told me he'd be thrilled just to learn from Steve Nash."

Banks was a backup for 2 1/2 seasons in Boston before being traded last season to Minnesota

Banks' addition would give the Suns 11 players under contract and make the possibility of Eddie House's return doubtful.

07-19-2006, 12:30 PM	#1
jacktruth Golden Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: TX Posts: 1,868	Banks to sign with Suns for 5 years, $21 million I thought this was a decent pickup by the Suns, and a lucky break for Banks. Banks to sign with Suns for 5 years, $21 million Paul Coro The Arizona Republic Jul. 19, 2006 12:00 AM Marcus Banks and his family threw a surprise birthday party for his mother Saturday under the guise that she had to attend a meeting with a prospective NBA team. He topped that surprise this week when the Las Vegas native firmed up plans to play closer to home with the Suns. Banks, who arrived in the Valley on Tuesday night, came to terms with the Suns on a five-year contract worth about $21 million. The deal could be official as soon as Thursday. "We're honored to be with the Suns and a hop, skip and a jump away," his father, Arthur, said. "We really feel like it's an ideal fit with the Suns' style. Marcus is so ecstatic about it." After nabbing only Eric Piatkowski in the first week of free agency, the Suns took care of their summer priority to find point guard relief for Steve Nash. Banks, 24, addresses what Phoenix tried to get earlier this month in Lindsey Hunter and then some. With a strong 6-foot-2 frame, Banks is a noted defender but is far better offensively than Hunter and keeps the Suns younger. Able to back up or team with Nash, Banks may challenge Leandro Barbosa as the team's quickest penetrator. Any character concerns were wiped out by checks and a Monday dinner Banks had with coach Mike D'Antoni. Banks plays in Las Vegas in the summers with Shawn Marion, another former Runnin' Rebel. "It could be really effective," Banks' agent, Michael Higgins, said. "He really likes D'Antoni. He told me he'd be thrilled just to learn from Steve Nash." Banks was a backup for 2 1/2 seasons in Boston before being traded last season to Minnesota Banks' addition would give the Suns 11 players under contract and make the possibility of Eddie House's return doubtful.