Former UNLV star finds new life for Suns in NBA Summer League

Monday, July 16, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

Team: Phoenix Suns

Position: Guard

Age: 25

Height: 6-feet-2

Weight: 200 pounds

Hometown: Las Vegas

High School: Cimarron-Memorial

College: UNLV

Professional: Memphis drafted Banks with the 13th overall pick in 2003, then traded him to Boston. That three-year deal was worth $4.6 million. Boston traded him to Minnesota during the 2005-06 season.

NBA career: Click here for a printable graphic.

It only seemed like Marcus Banks fell out of favor with Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni moments after the former UNLV guard signed a five-year $21 million deal with the Suns last summer.

A month into the season, his defensive struggles and offensive troubles landed him at the end of the bench. Banks played in a career-low 45 games. He logged seven playoff minutes. Until draft day, he was mentioned in trade rumors.

Such veterans are rare in the NBA Summer League, but Phoenix instructed him to report to Las Vegas to refine his game and integrate draft picks D.J. Strawberry and Alando Tucker into the fast-paced Suns system.

Back home at the Thomas & Mack Center last week , Banks played tight defense and dished and drove with fury, tallying a summer league-record 42 points in a narrow defeat to Cleveland.

Suns assistant coach Phil Weber, who is running the squad's summer team, said Banks looked unbelievable in leading the young players and showing how hard he's worked since the season ended.

Banks just might salvage his career in Phoenix .

It has its ups and downs. You go through that rocky road, but I love this game.

I can do it for a long time and still enjoy myself while I'm doing it.

Who has given you the best advice?

Probably my father (Arthur). He told me, 'Keep your confidence up. Go out there and have fun, like you used to, and things will work out.'

Do you have more to prove to the Suns or yourself?

I want to prove something to everyone. I want all the fans to know that I still have it. I haven't lost a beat. Actually, I've gotten better. It's about situations. Again, I'm ready to go. I wish the season started today.

Do you have a lot to prove to D'Antoni?

Yes. Basically, to let him know that it was a great idea to bring me to this team. I just want to be a great locker-room guy, a great teammate ... all those things. And I just want to have as much fun as possible.

What do D'Antoni and his staff want to see in you this summer?

My job out here today was to lead my team. They want to see me be more of a leader, put the weight on my shoulders, and see if I can gut it out. It was pretty tough. I'm playing with a lot of young guys. No need to make excuses, though. It was more fun than anything. Just trying to get those guys loosened up to have a good time.

What was your first season with the Suns like?

It made a man outta me, I can tell you that. Yeah. I said a lot, I watched a lot and I learned a lot from Steve Nash ... from all the veterans, like Jalen (Rose). A great experience, and I'll try to carry it over to this season.

Seven minutes in the playoffs?

People have to understand, Steve Nash is an MVP. We were against the wall and wanted to win a championship. (Nash) had a lot of fire. Coach made the decision to roll with Steve, do other things. Hey, now I'm here. I'll do whatever I need to do to help. That's why I'm here.

What's it like to hear your name in trade rumors?

They were talking about trading everyone. Shawn Marion. Amare Stoudemire. I'm a little fish in a big pond. All I have to do is keep working hard. I'm living the dream by playing in this league. A lot of guys are gutting it out, going to the gym four, five times a day, and they can't even get a shot. I signed a five-year deal. I'll max that and have a lot of fun.

How do you characterize your first three NBA seasons?

It was great. I had a blast in Minnesota and a blast in Boston. I had never been to the East Coast, to freezing cold. It was a great experience for me and my family.

How about hitting the $21 million lottery with the Suns?

You know what? It's not about the money. Like I tell my dad every single day, I'd rather have the fame on the court rather than the money, that's how much I love the game. I'd rather be the guy on the court and win, rather than have the money and not play at all. It just so happens they pay for this job, and I won't turn it down.

What was your first big purchase?

A house. Always have to have somewhere to stay.

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