Was Banks the Best Free Agent PG Prospect?

[George O'Brien]

Marcus Banks was not the most highly paid PG this summer, but he could very well be the best prospect. All five guys have been mostly backups during their careers. All were important contributors (Hunter the least and his pay reflects that), but only Make James had a better year statistically. None of the PG's under consideration would be considered "big", but Banks is a lot heavier than the others and probably more physical as well.

One thing that really stands out. Banks is a lot younger than the other guys including three years younger than Claxton.

Lindsay Hunter Born: Dec 3, 1970 (2 years for $4.5 million)
Height: 6-2 / 1,88
Weight: 195 lbs. / 88,5 kg.

PPG 2.9
RPG 1.3
APG 2.1
SPG .63
BPG .03
FG% .370
FT% .500
3P% .256
MPG 11.8

Bobby Jackson: Born: Mar 13, 1973
Height: 6-1 / 1,85
Weight: 185 lbs. / 83,9 kg.

PPG 11.4
RPG 3.1
APG 2.7
SPG .86
BPG .01
FG% .382
FT% .733
3P% .389
MPG 25.0

Mike James: Born: Jun 23, 1975 (4 years for 23.4 million)
Height: 6-2 / 1,88
Weight: 190 lbs. / 86,2 kg.

PPG 20.3
RPG 3.3
APG 5.8
SPG .91
BPG .04
FG% .469
FT% .837
3P% .442
MPG 37.0

Speedy Claxton: Born: May 8, 1978 (4 years for $25 million)
Height: 5-11 / 1,80
Weight: 170 lbs. / 77,1 kg.

PPG 12.3
RPG 2.7
APG 4.8
SPG 1.52
BPG .08
FG% .413
FT% .769
3P% .270
MPG 28.4

Marcus Banks: Nov 19, 1981 (5 years for $21 million)
Height: 6-2 / 1,88
Weight: 200 lbs. / 90,7 kg.

(stats with the Wolves)
PPG 12
RPG 2.9
APG 4.7
SPG 1.18
BPG .28
FG% 47.9%
FT% 77.8%
3P% 36.4%
MPG 30.7%

On a statitical basis, Mike James did the best, but he's more than six years older than Banks. Banks scored as much as Jackson and Claxton in more minutes, but also was a better shooter. Jackson was OK for three point shooting, but under 40% overall is not a good sign.

Obviously what looks good on paper doesn't always translate into on court performance, but considering the relative age and size of the players, Banks could easily be the best prospect, yet excluding Hunter, at the lowest price.

 

[overseascardfan]

I would assume he will have a KJ kind of game where he is more of a mid range guy who can penetrate. His assists should go up and you have to like the bulk on him where most PG's won't be able to back him down. If his steals average is any indication of his defensive potential then I feel he is probably the best overall PG prospect this offseason.

 

[panfolk]

Is Banks a good overall defender or does he gamble too much to produce his steals?

 

[JCSunsfan]

He's probably the second best, after James.

If our goal was to get a backup pg--job well done.

 

[George O'Brien]

It is not easy to get a young player to buy into being a backup, even if the backup is the reining MVP. Part of the reason the Mavs couldn't get Mike James was that there was no guarantee he would start. I get the impression that Claxton was mostly interested in a starting position after losing out to Chris Paul.

There are several teams shopping for a PG who could make a case for him to be a starter such as the Cavs. I think getting Banks was a major coup.

 

[Bufalay]

I saw Banks guard Nash really well 2 years ago when he was on Boston. I remember seeing him get a couple of steals from Nash while Nash was dribbling, so he seems like a good man to man defender. Reminded me of Darrell Armstrong and Smush Parker's D on Nash

 

[Errntknght]

One thing that impresses me about Banks is his smarts. I don't mean bball IQ - he figured out the Suns & D'Antoni would be great for him. And after 2 or 3 years he's got the inside track to be the starter. Meanwhile, its no disgrace to backup a 2-time MVP.

Suns need perimeter D - he can provide that
The Suns like to run - he likes to run
D'A loves scoring - he loves scoring
Suns are legit contenders - everybody loves that

He's going to get a bonus he probably hasn't thought about - with Amare and Diaw on the floor there are not going to be big bruisers lurking around the hoop to stop him. And when KT is on the floor he'll have some solid picks to work off. If he slashes without the ball, he has Boris to get it to him - and perhaps Amare will join in the passing fun as well.

One thing I hope he learns from Nash quickly is how and where to set picks for bigs like Boris and Amare. I've never seen anyone other than me mention it on here but Nash knows how to set picks - it just that you hope he doesn't do it much. But a strong young guy like Marcus could go to it the way John Stockton used to.

 

[Louis]

This guy would've been a find addition at the backup PG

Deal near on third point guardBy Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Mavericks are on the verge of filling their third point guard slot by trading for Indiana veteran Anthony Johnson, league sources confirmed Saturday night.

The Mavs are sending free-agent guard Darrell Armstrong and forwards Josh Powell and Rawle Marshall to the Pacers in a deal that has been agreed upon but can't be completed until NBA offices open Monday.

Johnson (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), a 10-year veteran, averaged a career-high 9.2 points and 4.3 assists last season, starting 53 games with the Pacers.

He averaged 20 points and 5.2 assists in six playoff games last season. Johnson, 31, has two years left on his contract for $2.64 million and $2.86 million.

Armstrong joined the Mavs during the 2004-05 season. As a free agent, he's agreed to a new contract to facilitate the sign-and-trade arrangement.

With a third point guard behind Jason Terry and Devin Harris settled, the next priority for the Mavs is adding another swingman or reserve power forward.

The Mavs have approximately $2 million remaining from the mid-level exception, a $1.75 million biennial exception and the ability to use Keith Van Horn in another sign-and-trade.

Among available swingmen, Devean George and Fred Jones could be in the team's price range. Power forward Reggie Evans is another option.

20 pg and 5 apg in the POs and he's going to be a 3rd stringer in Dallas?

2.6 million this season and 2.8 next.

Good move for Dallas. Especially giving up practically nothing.

 

[Joe Mama]

I really believe that the Phoenix Suns looked hard at Anthony Johnson. Infect it wouldn't surprise me if they made attempts to trade for him as well as many other teams probably did. For one thing Marcus banks has that this guy does not is upside.

Joe Mama

 

[Mainstreet]

What's going on in Dallas? I never figured they would move Josh Powell but didn't they also let Marquix Daniels (sp) walk as well?

Now they have three good PG's Terry, Harris and now Anthony Johnson. Also they have Finley and a promising prospect in Ager and maybe looking for another swing player (perhaps a Devean George). I'm not sure if they have any more SG's on their roster.

Anyway, I understand the Mav's reloading after losing Powell and Daniels but it looks like they may be playing two PG's a lot next season. Anyway, I see Dallas really posing a problem with their three quality PG's with a blend of Finley, Ager and whoever else at SG. It even looks like the Mavs may be adding another swing player (Devean George???) or a PF.

It looks like Phoenix will have their hands full with just their backcourt especially if Ager works out well.

The last three men on the Phoenix bench right now appears to be Piatkowski, Burke and Marks (probably garbage time players). I know the Suns had injuries last season, but right now I only see Banks as a significant addition. I just hope the Suns are not complacent as injuries can strike at any time.

 

[Louis]

One thing that Johnson has that Banks does not....PO experience which the Suns professed as a need after dumping 2 first round picks.

Upside is a nice word for a young player who hasn't done squat but is getting paid Raja Bell money.

 

[Mainstreet]

One thing that Johnson has that Banks does not....PO experience which the Suns professed as a need after dumping 2 first round picks.

Upside is a nice word for a young player who hasn't done squat but is getting paid Raja Bell money.

I like the addition of Banks and Phoenix has needed a quality back-up PG for the past two seasons. I think Banks will be okay. My concern with Phoenix, is that they are not taking depth at the end of their bench seriously.

 

[Joe Mama]

What's going on in Dallas? I never figured they would move Josh Powell but didn't they also let Marquix Daniels (sp) walk as well?

Now they have three good PG's Terry, Harris and now Anthony Johnson. Also they have Finley and a promising prospect in Ager and maybe looking for another swing player (perhaps a Devean George). I'm not sure if they have any more SG's on their roster.

Anyway, I understand the Mav's reloading after losing Powell and Daniels but it looks like they may be playing two PG's a lot next season. Anyway, I see Dallas really posing a problem with their three quality PG's with a blend of Finley, Ager and whoever else. It even looks like the Mavs may be adding another swing player (Devean George???) or a PF.

It looks like Phoenix will have their hands full with just their backcourt especially if Ager works out well.

The last three men on the Phoenix bench right now appears to be Piatkowski, Burke and Marks (probably garbage time players). I know the Suns had injuries last season, but right now I only see Banks as a significant addition. I just hope the Suns are not complacent as injuries can strike at any time.

Michael Finley was waived by Dallas last summer. He plays for San Antonio now.

Joe Mama

 

[George O'Brien]

What's going on in Dallas? I never figured they would move Josh Powell but didn't they also let Marquix Daniels (sp) walk as well?

Now they have three good PG's Terry, Harris and now Anthony Johnson. Also they have Finley and a promising prospect in Ager and maybe looking for another swing player (perhaps a Devean George). I'm not sure if they have any more SG's on their roster.

Anyway, I understand the Mav's reloading after losing Powell and Daniels but it looks like they may be playing two PG's a lot next season. Anyway, I see Dallas really posing a problem with their three quality PG's with a blend of Finley, Ager and whoever else as it looks like the Mavs may be adding another swing player (Devean George???).

It looks like Phoenix will have their hands full with just their backcourt especially if Ager works out well.

The last three men on the Phoenix bench right now appears to be Piatkowski, Burke and Marks (probably garbage time players). I know the Suns had injuries last season, but right now I only see Banks as a significant addition. I just hope the Suns are not complacent as injuries can strike at any time.

Finley plays for the Spurs.

Johnson is more of a point guard than Terry or Harris, who are more short shooting guards than PG's.

IMHO, the Suns are deeper than almost any other team in the NBA. If the Mavs "seem" deeper, it is because Cuban can afford to tie up a huge payroll with bench players. In any case, the Mavs are no better prepared to lose their top three guys than the Suns are.

If even close to healthy, I really like the way the Suns match up with the Mavs. The Mavs cannot play "small ball" and the combination of Dampier and Diop are not enough of a threat on offense to compensate for the Mavs inability to stop the Suns vastly quicker and better shooting inside players.

Also, adding Banks gives the Suns a player who can defend Harris and Terry, which was one of the Suns biggest problem in the playoffs.

 

[Chaplin]

Michael Finley was waived by Dallas last summer. He plays for San Antonio now.

Joe Mama

I think he wrote Finley, but actually meant Josh Howard.

 

[Mainstreet]

Michael Finley was waived by Dallas last summer. He plays for San Antonio now.

Joe Mama

Oops.

However, it would appear that Dallas may be playing two PG's frequently.

I'm messed up on Dallas' SG rotation. Do they have a veteran there? I know they drafted Ager. I sure liked Josh Powell. I thought they would never want to get rid of him.

 

[myrondizzo]

One thing that Johnson has that Banks does not....PO experience which the Suns professed as a need after dumping 2 first round picks.

Upside is a nice word for a young player who hasn't done squat but is getting paid Raja Bell money.

raja bell was a bargin. not to mention that before he signed with us he had done very little to impress. we dump our first rounders because rookies have no NBA experience we know that banks give nash rest during the regular season to help nash be rested for the playoffs.

 

[Mainstreet]

Sorry, I was thinking the Mavs moved Josh Howard not Josh Powell. The Josh(s) really confused me.

This makes the Mavs acquisition of Anthony Johnson even worse for the rest of the league because they still have Josh Howard.

Edit: I finally had to go look at the Mavs roster (that will teach me). I forgot to mention Stackhouse as well.

 

[George O'Brien]

Sorry, I was thinking the Mavs moved Josh Howard not Josh Powell. The Josh(s) really confused me.

This makes the Mavs acquisition of Anthony Johnson even worse for the rest of the league because they still have Josh Howard.

If they had traded Josh Howard, we'd have been dancing in the streets and it's 116 here.

Josh Powel is a summer league guy who has not done much during the regular season. He'd be worth a look if he gets waived.

I'm not sure Anthony Johnson is going to make much difference except that he's a point guard and neither Terry nor Harris really are. Johnson lacks the quickness and long range shooting skills to be an impact player. He'll help them, but he's not someone I was all that interested in for the Suns.

 

[Louis]

I like the addition of Banks and Phoenix has needed a quality back-up PG for the past two seasons. I think Banks will be okay. My concern with Phoenix, is that they are not taking depth at the end of their bench seriously.

Very well said. I agree.

 

[se7en]

I noticed a few folks trying to compare Banks to other point guards. One theme I keep hearing is that he is a very physical guard for his height 200+ lbs. at 6'2". The 1st point guard that comes to mind with that physical build and ability to drive to the basket is - Marbury. Even their stats seemed similar in some areas. I wonder if anyone else sees similarities. Interesting that Banks has followed in Marbury's footsteps ala the T-wolves and now the Suns. Unfortunately, when comparing Banks, I only have his stats and other peoples discriptions to go by, as I can't really recall seeing him or paying attention to his play. I wonder what other think of this comparison. Is it off the mark entirely, or could they have similar traits?

 

[Louis]

I'd say no way.

Banks doesn't have the playmaking capabilities that Starbury has.

Banks is physical on defense. Akin to Raja Bell. Without the head games Raja seems to put on.

Banks stats with Minny were good. So hopefully he can build on that and do well here in Phoenix.

One thing that seems constant with Banks, is the complaint that he is a headcase. An article from the EVT alluded to that. Supposedly he has issues getting along in the lockerrom.

Hopefully that's not the case, because the Suns success depends as much on their chemistry as in their offense.

 

[George O'Brien]

Unless the reviews I read of Bank's game are all wet, it sounds to me that he's more different than similar to Marbury.

1. Defense - Marbury was an indifferent defender with Phoenix and I've seen little to change that view since he went to NY. Banks is considered very good on the ball although he needs to work more in a scheme.

2. Speed - Marbury was not slow, but Banks is considered to have Barbosa type speed.

3. Tempo - Marbury resisted running the fast break while Banks has a reputation for being very inclined to push the ball.

4. Shooting - A real key will be outside shooting. Banks began to show some outside shooting skills with the Wolves with a 36.4% for three (not great but he's supposed to be better at catch and shoot). Marbury has never been a good three point shooter with a career average of 32% and only 31.7% last season.

5. Leaping - Banks is an above the rim athlete and Marbury really isn't.

This does not mean Banks is a better player. Marbury is a major talent. But Banks looks to be a much better fit than Marbury.

 

[Joe Mama]

Marbury is getting older. He used to be an incredible athlete.

Joe Mama

 

[Errntknght]

Very well said, George!