Boris Diaw worked relentlessly on his conditioning this summer. (NBAE Photos)

BORIS DIAW

When All-Star big man Amaré Stoudemire missed most of the 2005-06 season due to injury, fifth-year forward Boris Diaw stepped in and performed exceptionally well, taking home Most Improved Player of the Year honors. Much of the offense was run through Diaw, who was able to exploit mismatches against bigger and slower opponents.

Originally, he came to the Suns to be a backup point guard, and wound up being the starting center. However, after his breakout season, the 6-8 forward struggled to find his role amidst the re-introduction of Stoudemire into the offense. Accustomed to being one of the focal points of the offense, Diaw didn't receive the usual amount of touches he was used to getting as the starting center.

Boris Diaw Points: 9.7 Rebounds: 4.3 Assists: 4.8

But despite the solid statistics, it seemed that Diaw never really found the rhythm he possessed the previous season. Playing off the ball and being used in unfamiliar situations, Diaw never really grew into his role at the 4. So how do the Suns plan on using him this season?

"More," said Suns assistant coach Dan D'Antoni. "His role changed on him a bit last year. Now he's had the summer to set himself on it, and I think you'll see us go to him more often. Boris is smart. He'll be fine."

D'Antoni also pointed out that Diaw's' statistics were good until he hurt his back.

"Everyone compared him to how he was the year before when Amaré was out," D'Antoni said. "But he was the major thrust of our offense then, whereas last year there were more guys."

Assistant coach Alvin Gentry added, "Playing on the national team and working out with Erik Phillips really did him right. “I don't think he had a Boris-type year last season with the injuries he had, but we expect him to have a real good year this season."

Armed with a well-defined role and a well-defined body, the sky should be the limit for the Frenchman this season.

Summer Headlines:

July 7: Diaw in Paris for Longoria-Parker wedding

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SEAN MARKS

Sean Marks 2006-07 Points: 2.0 Rebounds: 1.0

With the loss of Kurt Thomas, the Suns are going to have to find someone to pick up the slack inside. One of the leading candidates to do so is Sean Marks. Although the eight-year veteran only appeared in three games last season, the thin status of the Suns frontcourt may cause more responsibility to be thrust upon the shoulders of the native New Zealander.

A big man picked up for his ability to shoot from the outside, Marks is also an underrated athlete, displaying the ability to get off the ground with ease.

"It's all about chemistry and work ethic with a guy like Sean," Gentry said. "But unfortunately for him and the way we rotate our frontline, there were only so many minutes to go around last season."

Besides his hops and potent jumper, Marks is renowned for being very professional, a great guy in the locker room and a giving teammate.

Due to lack of post players on the roster, the coaching staff eluded to the fact that the eight-year veteran could possibly find himself in the rotation.

"He could be one of those guys that elevates his way from not playing a lot of minutes to becoming a regular contributor," Dan D'Antoni said. "He's fairly athletic and can shoot the ball very well."

If needed to fill a bigger role, the Suns should feel secure that they have a seasoned veteran like Marks ready to step up at a moment's notice.

Summer Headlines: