Looking for some insurance around the basket, the Suns acquired nine-year veteran Brian Skinner, who played for the Bucks last season. Skinner's ability to rebound, defend and run the open floor should help Phoenix fill out their frontcourt.

Suns.com sat down with the agile big man to talk about hoops, his potential contributions and the prospects of a title.

Suns.com: When you sat down at the end of the season and talked to your agent, what kind of plan did the two of you create?

Skinner: It was a tough offseason. It really was. There were a lot of changes going on and a lot of luxury cap issues. I waited the whole summer. I only really decided what to do about a week ago. I looked at some other teams, I got an option here and coming here was my first priority.

Suns.com: Did you have a gameplan as far as what kind of team you wanted to play for? Did you have a preference of playing in the West as opposed to the East? Up-tempo vs. half-court?

Skinner: Somewhere warm? Somewhere cold? Not really. It wasn't really about that. Obviously, Phoenix is a championship ballclub and I think that it is every basketball player's dream and ambition to win a championship ring.

Suns.com: Did you actively pursue Phoenix?

Skinner: It just came. It fell into place. I am thankful to God that I was put into this situation. I feel like I am blessed.

Suns.com: What kind of skills do you think you can bring to the Suns?

Skinner: Defensiveness toughness and a lot of the stuff that other guys don't necessarily want to do. I can run the floor, get guys open so they can score, block some shots and sacrifice on defense.

Suns.com: When you played against the Suns last season, where did you rank them among the league's best teams? Did you find them to be one of your toughest matchups?

Skinner: Obviously they are one of the toughest teams. They have a set offense, but they just run. They made 3-point baskets, two-point baskets and whether it was a dunk or a layup, they just keep coming. They just keep going non-stop. They don't concentrate or play any differently depending on the score, they just run. It is tough playing against a team that is relentless and doesn't stop. They just keep going and going and don't stop.

Suns.com: Are there any dates that you have circled on your calendar this season? Do you specifically prepare for anyone in particular?

Skinner: I've guarded everybody in this league. Some guys might weigh a little more or might be a little stronger, but as far as those goes, I'm familiar with everyone. There aren't any former teams or teammates that I pay close attention to on the schedule, and there definitely isn't anything personal.

Suns.com: Are there any guys that you find to be a tough matchup for you?

Skinner: There are a lot of guys that throw a lot of different things at you. Whether they are agile and quick or big and strong, on certain nights, guys are going to have it working and you know it's going to be a long night. So you just have to play and bring your A-game every night.

Suns.com: How have you prepared and trained differently as a veteran as opposed to when you first came into the league? Are there certain things that you do differently now?

Skinner: Well, I have been a veteran for about five years now, so I don't do anything that different anymore. I just try to keep my body right, try to get straight, once you are a veteran you know what you need to do. When you first come into the league, it is more unexpected so you have to adapt to the different teams, coaches and their styles. Depending on where you go, it is always going to be different. As you get older, you become more comfortable and you learn how to adjust.

Suns.com: But do you train differently depending on where you are in your career?

Skinner: It depends on the team. Teams run different offenses depending on what players they cater to and what players they have. With this team, you have to run. So when you know you are going to play with the Suns, you have to be ready for that.