KEY POINTS:
Kiwi basketballer Sean Marks is faced with the familiar challenge of getting court time in the new National Basketball Association season in the United States.
After two seasons and an NBA championship ring with the San Antonio Spurs, Marks has signed with the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns are a team on the rise and widely tipped as hot contenders for the title this year. But after an injury-interrupted build-up, Marks again finds himself on the back foot when it comes to establishing a spot in the team rotation.
"I sprained my elbow about a week ago and missed the last three pre-season games," Marks said.
"I probably could have played but they told me not to worry - it was just the pre-season.
"That doesn't really help me. I need to be seen playing but the elbow was pretty banged up."
Phoenix open their campaign against the Los Angeles Lakers this week but it remains to be seen where Marks fits into a team who have retained most of their players and have big names returning from injury.
"The Suns only play eight to nine guys, if that," Marks said. "They don't go that deep in their roster, so it might be a case of waiting for an injury."
- NZPA
