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**Dissonance19** · 10-07-2007, 08:54 AM

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TUCSON - On any day of scrimmage play this week, you can see Leandro Barbosa and Marcus Banks at their best.

Barbosa strikes fast, making decisions as quickly as he moves his feet, to score in droves. Banks dogs Steve Nash defensively, even stealing the ball a few times to create transition chances.

For the fastest bench backcourt to become the best one, they could learn from each other.

Barbosa's untapped potential lies on defense, where his speed has been a liability because of his tendency to overreact and leave himself in bad position.

Banks could shake off a rough first year in Phoenix by following Barbosa's offensive progression.

Barbosa was not trusted with many playoff minutes in his second season but raised his scoring average by 11.1 points last season, when he averaged 18.1. Banks struggled with the Suns' ball-movement offense and lost his shooting eye as he went in and out of the rotation.

Both guards drew raves this week for how they practiced. Suns assistant Dan D'Antoni said Barbosa had his best practice ever Wednesday because he was always in the right place defensively.

Coach Mike D'Antoni was impressed with Banks as he showed a newfound comfort for the style and his teammates.

"Last year, it was all brand new," Banks said. "It comes with experience. I've got a year under my belt. I know what to expect. In this offense, you can't think too much. You just let your instincts take over.

"This is a fresh start for me."

The staff told Banks that his defense is his path to playing time. The Suns signed Banks to a five-year, $21.3 million deal because he was strong enough to play with Nash and fast enough to keep up with Barbosa. But Banks' plus-minus was the worst of any regular and looked particularly bad in comparison to the MVP runner-up (Nash) and Sixth Man Award winner (Barbosa).

Banks has shown a better understanding of Phoenix's structured chaos. He said his improved grasp has relieved the "mental stress" that built up last season.

"Nobody here questions his talent," Dan D'Antoni said.

New assistant Jay Humphries has worked closely with him since the summer in the way Dan D'Antoni fostered Barbosa's growth.

"Marcus can add a lot," Mike D'Antoni said. "I was real excited about the way he played under control. If that continues, they (Banks and Barbosa) will play together. Minutes are his to be had, won and earned."

Barbosa's minutes are locked in. The focus is on defensive improvement. He has the tools to get in passing lanes but frequently overreacts.

"He still jumps too much," Dan D'Antoni said.

"He's too quick. He doesn't control his body and speed on closeouts. He's trying to take every shot and dribble away. What I try to convince him to do is just get (the opponent) to take a tough shot."