link The Arizona Republic Sept. 24, 2007 08:14 PM The Suns have their new big man. Eight-year veteran Brian Skinner and the Suns agreed to terms Monday on a one-year veteran's minimum deal, half of which is guaranteed. If Skinner remains on the team when opening day rosters are set Oct. 29, his $1.1 million salary will be fully guaranteed. Skinner, 31, was the best of the big man prospects the Suns considered because he can offer Phoenix rebounding and defense with enough speed to play at the Suns' pace. Initial plans would be to have a platoon backup center system with Skinner and returnee Sean Marks, who played three games for Phoenix last season. Skinner is accepting of the part-time role and had Phoenix atop his wish list because he wanted to play for a title contender after missing the playoffs last season, when he had 44 starts for Milwaukee. "This is an opportunity to be on the inside looking out," Skinner said after his Thursday workout for Phoenix. Skinner, 6 feet 9 and 265 pounds, has played for six teams in eight NBA seasons with career averages of 5.1 points and 5.0 rebounds. He is limited with his offensive skills and shoots free throws poorly (56.4 career percentage) but does not try to score outside his skill range. The Suns are not expected to give any more contracts with any guarantee because Skinner gives them 13 players, the minimum a team must carry on its roster. Skinner's salary will count as $770,610 against the salary cap with a league fund that protects veterans covering the $332,615 for the Suns.</p>
Yeah, guess they got word he wasn't interested or he wanted more $ Still wish Kurt Thomas would've opted out and taken less.</p>
Good signing. He'll be pretty good for the Suns.</p> Skinner blocking Marion lol</p> <div><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXnlGQ_xT1Y&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WXnlGQ_xT1Y&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350" /></embed></object></div></p>
The Suns accomplished what they wanted prior to the start of training camp. They addressed their need for more size, and Skinner was a solid pickup for the Suns. He's not going to make or break the season for Phoenix, but he should produce when he gets the opportunities. Creating second chance opportunities and banging bodies in the post are two things Skinner knows how to do very well.</p>
Skinner is a good defender and considering they arent exactly willing to hand out a lot of money, I think this is a good signing. Im not sure if he can play through an 82 game schedule, but they are going to need him this year, especially in the playoffs. I think he will see limited minutes againt most teams unless they need him to defend the paint.</p>
