Basketball: Marks set to leave US for lucrative European courts

A European contract could be worth even more to Sean Marks than his present $1m annual pay cheque. Picture / Mark Mitchell

Just days after revelling in one of the greatest triumphs for a New Zealand basketballer, Sean Marks has signalled that his playing days in the United States are almost up.

The 29-year-old capped a stellar career with his first National Basketball Association (NBA) victory ring following the San Antonio Spurs' 4-3 series win over the Detroit Pistons last week.

Despite San Antonio's success, Marks, the first Kiwi to play in the NBA when signed by the New York Knicks in 1998, said pursuing his career in Europe was a matter of when, not if.

"Sure, one year at a time. Whenever it may be in the future, I'll probably end up going to Europe and playing over there," he told Slamsports website.

"That day will come. But just for the time being, I'm just soaking this up."

Heading across the Atlantic could also reap Marks a big pay rise on his current US$700,000 ($1 million) annual contract, with European clubs paying top-dollar for former NBA players, especially those who have won a championship.

With his wife expecting their second child, improved financial security must also be tempting.

A handful of Marks' former Tall Blacks team-mates already play in Europe, including Mark Dickel, Phill Jones and possibly Pero Cameron, who is being courted by Turkish clubs,

Marks, a 2.1m forward, played 23 regular-season games for the Spurs, but his court time was limited given that his opposition for a starting berth was NBA star Tim Duncan, who scooped his third MVP for the NBA final.

Marks failed to make the playing roster for the finals, but the experience, albeit limited to the practice court, still has the former Aucklander buzzing.

"To be part of a championship team is a dream come true, in the best league, too.

"This is a fantastic place to be, so I'm lucky to have spent a couple of years here."

Marks, who last week retired from internationals, leaving the Tall Blacks without one of their most battle-hardened and experienced players, admitted the lack of NBA game-time had become annoying.

"Sure, it's a little frustrating not being out there in games, helping out," he said.

"But in practice the guys will say 'Good job, way to go'.

"Timmy [Duncan] will come and grab me and say 'Hey, can you come and play some defence on me real quick?', so I love and cherish moments like that.

"This is the pinnacle of your sport. I don't know if there's anything bigger than this when you dream about the NBA as a 14- or 15-year-old kid.

"You see pictures of Michael Jordan kissing the trophy and now, being here, it makes me realise how much hard work it takes."

- NZPA