Bee Hive Blog

Marks earns return to Hornets in 2009-10, re-signs

Monday, August 31st, 2009      Email Print

During a 2008-09 season described by virtually everyone from the Hornets front office to the players as disappointing, one of the bright spots was the emergence of Sean Marks. Seldom used prior to his arrival in New Orleans last summer, the 6-foot-10 backup center enjoyed what was easily the best and most productive season of his nine-year NBA career.

He set career-bests in virtually every statistical category, but perhaps most tellingly, after never appearing in more than 25 games of any single NBA season, he made 60 appearances for the Hornets. He also made five starts and scored the game-winning basket vs. Minnesota on Feb. 8.

Marks was rewarded for his much-needed contributions today, re-signing with the Hornets to a contract. He will compete for minutes among the frontcourt reserves, potentially spelling starting center Emeka Okafor and power forward David West.

In hindsight, given how difficult it is to find effective backup big men who are 6-foot-10 or taller in the NBA, it seems like a missed opportunity that Marks had never been given a more extensive chance to play as a pro. Very few people seemed to know much about his game entering last season – which was understandable, since he’s barely played, and when he has, it’s often been during garbage time of blowouts.

The Hornets front office believed during 2008 training camp and preseason that his mid-range shooting ability would be a valuable addition to the offensive attack, but Marks never really found a consistent perimeter touch all season. Instead, he proved to be more athletic and a much better finisher than pretty much anyone realized. Given how many point-blank opportunities the big guys on this team receive as a result of playing with Chris Paul or that result from other players being double-teamed, being able to catch passes and finish around the rim is an extremely critical skill.

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