Kori Ellis
10-13-2004, 01:51 AM
Marks tired of all that sitting
Web Posted: 10/13/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA101304.1C.spurs.marks.1137535f2.html
The Spurs were short on bodies and facing a pivotal late-season game in Utah's hostile Delta Center last April when Sean Marks got the call.
Despite having had little time to prepare, Marks kept his mistakes to a minimum. He deferred, when necessary, to the big-name talent. He did his best work in the fourth quarter, refusing to let the pressure swallow him.
"It was fun working with Dick Stockton; what an honor," Marks said. "But this year I hope he's just calling my name when I'm out on the court."
As well as Marks did in his one game as a substitute TV analyst last season, it was his stand-in work on the practice floor that led the Spurs to re-sign him this summer. His performance in the preseason could dictate whether the team decides to expand his role.
"If he plays his butt off, he's going to make it hard for us," Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "Is he going to be the first guy off the bench? No. But, guess what, we'll have to look at him."
Last season, the only look the Spurs got at Marks in uniform came during the preseason. After his play in training camp earned him a spot on the team's roster, the coaches quickly defined his role: Work hard, learn the system and don't expect to play.
Marks performed his job without complaint. His sense of humor fit well in the locker room and his 7-foot frame fit even better on the practice court, giving Tim Duncan and Rasho Nesterovic another body to lean on. With Malik Rose, Robert Horry and Kevin Willis entrenched as the reserve big men, Marks didn't play in a single game.
"They said this is the way it's going to be and that's the way it was," Marks said. "I just went about my business and tried to help out the guys any way possible. Sure, it was frustrating not being able to get out there and play, but if you're told that at the beginning, you don't really have any expectations. And I'm not the type of guy to sit here and hope for an injury just so I can play.
"This year, hopefully, it will be a little different story."
Though the Spurs guaranteed Marks' contract this summer, his minutes are anything but. Rose and Horry are still on the roster and Tony Massenburg has replaced Willis.
"The situation is still challenging for him," Carlesimo said. "He's got his work cut out for him again, but I think he's helped himself."
In addition to his work last season, Marks also impressed Spurs coach Gregg Popovich when he played for his native New Zealand in this summer's Olympics. Though the Tall Blacks did not advance past pool play, Marks averaged 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in 26.8 minutes in five games.
During workouts last season, Marks impressed his teammates with his athleticism. He has above-average leaping ability for a big man, a dependable mid-range shot and is coordinated enough to be an occasional surfer. What he's lacked, so far, is consistency. He had his moments during last year's preseason — just not enough of them.
It's also easier to produce consistently, Carlesimo said, with consistent minutes. Marks hasn't had that luxury: He's been on an NBA roster for parts of six seasons, but has played in only 57 games.
Whether Marks will add to that total this season remains to be seen. At the least, the coaching staff expects to give him an opportunity to play during the team's seven exhibition games.
"I'm really appreciative the Spurs wanted me to come back," Marks said. "It's the best organization I've ever been a part of. It's a great team, a great camaraderie group. That made it easier not playing, when you got a bunch of friends, good guys you can root for and support each day.
"This year, hopefully I'll be in the regular system and contributing."
Web Posted: 10/13/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Johnny Ludden
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA101304.1C.spurs.marks.1137535f2.html
The Spurs were short on bodies and facing a pivotal late-season game in Utah's hostile Delta Center last April when Sean Marks got the call.
Despite having had little time to prepare, Marks kept his mistakes to a minimum. He deferred, when necessary, to the big-name talent. He did his best work in the fourth quarter, refusing to let the pressure swallow him.
"It was fun working with Dick Stockton; what an honor," Marks said. "But this year I hope he's just calling my name when I'm out on the court."
As well as Marks did in his one game as a substitute TV analyst last season, it was his stand-in work on the practice floor that led the Spurs to re-sign him this summer. His performance in the preseason could dictate whether the team decides to expand his role.
"If he plays his butt off, he's going to make it hard for us," Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo said. "Is he going to be the first guy off the bench? No. But, guess what, we'll have to look at him."
Last season, the only look the Spurs got at Marks in uniform came during the preseason. After his play in training camp earned him a spot on the team's roster, the coaches quickly defined his role: Work hard, learn the system and don't expect to play.
Marks performed his job without complaint. His sense of humor fit well in the locker room and his 7-foot frame fit even better on the practice court, giving Tim Duncan and Rasho Nesterovic another body to lean on. With Malik Rose, Robert Horry and Kevin Willis entrenched as the reserve big men, Marks didn't play in a single game.
"They said this is the way it's going to be and that's the way it was," Marks said. "I just went about my business and tried to help out the guys any way possible. Sure, it was frustrating not being able to get out there and play, but if you're told that at the beginning, you don't really have any expectations. And I'm not the type of guy to sit here and hope for an injury just so I can play.
"This year, hopefully, it will be a little different story."
Though the Spurs guaranteed Marks' contract this summer, his minutes are anything but. Rose and Horry are still on the roster and Tony Massenburg has replaced Willis.
"The situation is still challenging for him," Carlesimo said. "He's got his work cut out for him again, but I think he's helped himself."
In addition to his work last season, Marks also impressed Spurs coach Gregg Popovich when he played for his native New Zealand in this summer's Olympics. Though the Tall Blacks did not advance past pool play, Marks averaged 10.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in 26.8 minutes in five games.
During workouts last season, Marks impressed his teammates with his athleticism. He has above-average leaping ability for a big man, a dependable mid-range shot and is coordinated enough to be an occasional surfer. What he's lacked, so far, is consistency. He had his moments during last year's preseason — just not enough of them.
It's also easier to produce consistently, Carlesimo said, with consistent minutes. Marks hasn't had that luxury: He's been on an NBA roster for parts of six seasons, but has played in only 57 games.
Whether Marks will add to that total this season remains to be seen. At the least, the coaching staff expects to give him an opportunity to play during the team's seven exhibition games.
"I'm really appreciative the Spurs wanted me to come back," Marks said. "It's the best organization I've ever been a part of. It's a great team, a great camaraderie group. That made it easier not playing, when you got a bunch of friends, good guys you can root for and support each day.
"This year, hopefully I'll be in the regular system and contributing."