Basketball: Marks not so rapt with the Raptors

Frustrated Kiwi basketballer Sean Marks is unhappy with his role as benchwarmer with the Toronto Raptors and may seek a move to another NBA team or to Europe when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Marks, the first New Zealander to break into the NBA when he was picked up by the Raptors in the 1998-99 season, has been used only sparingly and is desperate for more court time.

The 2.08m forward played in only eight games in his debut season, scoring 11 points from an overall 28 minutes in action.

Marks, aged 25, was sidelined at the start of the 1999-2000 season with tendinitis in his right knee in mid-November, missing the first five games, and was back on the injury roster soon after with an identical problem with his left knee.

The Raptors have played 23 games this season and are ranked fourth in the NBA's Eastern Conference, central division.

Marks hoped his predicament would change in the New Year or he would look at other playing options. The season ends in April.

"After the New Year, once things settle down, I'll have a better idea of making a move to another NBA team or going to Europe," he said.

Marks was originally drafted to the New York Knicks but was later drafted to Toronto. He made his debut in March against the New Jersey Nets.

He played in Italy before his move to the NBA.

- NZPA