Chapman: Sean Marks Retires; Couldn't Really Cook But Tried Hard

Grant Chapman of NZHerald.co.nz reports that legendary former Portland Trail Blazers big man Sean Marks has decided to retire from professional basketball.
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The first Kiwi to enter the American professional league - widely regarded as the best basketball show in the world - hung up his sneakers this week and will move into an off-court role with the San Antonio Spurs. His decision ends an 11-year tenure, during which he suited up for six different teams and won a championship ring with the Spurs in 2005.

"The body tells you when it's time," says Marks (36), who stands at 2.08m and 113kg. "You realise you can't keep up with the young guys any more. Each generation is just bigger, stronger, faster, more athletic and perhaps a little hungrier."
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Who could forget when Marks, who played briefly for the Blazers during the 2010-2011 season, put Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin on a lay-up poster last year? Not me.

This was the definitive Marks profile from last year.

Marks played 11 seasons in the NBA including stops with the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Hornets and the Blazers. He was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in the package that brought forward Gerald Wallace in return but did not suit up for Charlotte. He posted career averages of 2.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in 230 appearances.

Hat Tip: @kpelton

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter

5 months ago Ben Golliver 17 comments 0 recs |

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Stay classy, Sean.

by Saba on Dec 17, 2011 5:41 PM PST reply actions

Sad day...

Was hoping he’d come back and show EWill how to dunk in practice.

"You can walk away from someone who doesn't love you. And you can walk away from someone you don't love. But when the love is mutual, The hardest thing is to walk away." -Brandon Roy

Retire #7!!!

Check out my music and blog at J-Xile.com

by J-Xile on Dec 17, 2011 5:50 PM PST reply actions

Looks like you don't have Sean Marks to kick around anymore.

And neither does the NBA.

by pantsuit on Dec 17, 2011 6:30 PM PST reply actions

Despite the somewhat annoying arrogance of Blazers fans towards Sean...

My countryman was a solid performer for the New Zealand team – including being on the team for the amazing 4th place finish at the 2002 World Champs.

I used to take a flag down to games against the Spurs when he was playing for them and wave it with a bit of pride… such as it was for having a one and only Kiwi in the NBA.

Never mind, despite the hate I’ll still cheer for the US rugby team going up against the All Blacks. The only time I’ll root against them though. :-P

by TheMadKiwi on Dec 17, 2011 6:41 PM PST reply actions

well...uh...um...I, uh...yeah...tip one for Sean

dude got a ring!

by blazerblaze on Dec 17, 2011 7:01 PM PST up reply actions

There may be a replacement Kiwi in the 2013 draft

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Dec 17, 2011 7:02 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah, he's even projected a high pick even though his profile lists "has never played against a high level of competition before" as a potential weakness ;-)

And Penney was another pretty solid Kiwi who the Spurs tried out again last year after he had a very good world championship. Again. He could score in bunches.

by Norsktroll on Dec 18, 2011 12:35 AM PST up reply actions

Penney was fun to watch in that tourney..made me a fan of the Kiwi team

Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

by blacknoiseNW on Dec 18, 2011 12:56 AM PST up reply actions

It's worth noting...

Just about every last one of those folks who has dogged on Sean Marks would happilly trade places with him in a heartbeat.

LaMarcus has to raise his level of play. Last year he pretty much became the go-to guy for us. Nothing changes, we are certainly going to stay in that direction. - Nate McMillan

by conspirator5 on Dec 17, 2011 11:43 PM PST up reply actions

Well This Sucks:(

by TrailBlazing25 on Dec 17, 2011 7:05 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Rip City baby

Straight outta Auckland.

by BaylessFace on Dec 17, 2011 8:29 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

i like this one more!

"I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all."

by thankyouforblaze on Dec 18, 2011 12:45 AM PST up reply actions

Well?

He played 11 seasons in the N.B.A. and left with a ring. Sarcasm aside? That’s not a bad resume.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Dec 17, 2011 8:41 PM PST reply actions

The Marksman!

Sean had his moments. Even a couple pretty big shots for us. I hope he enjoys his retirement.

by poorwebguy on Dec 17, 2011 9:14 PM PST reply actions

dude was only the most accurate 3 pt shooting blazer ever!

and an nba champ! it pains some wanna-be ballers to see his unparalleled success, so they gotta talk doo doo. as if y’all could even sniff the dirty laundry of the d-league. my man marks ought to teach the art of the three to these brick layers we got now. jealous suckas can’t carry his jock, but can giggle safely from their keyboards. now look how upset i am. damn.

by williamswonder on Dec 17, 2011 10:39 PM PST reply actions