Suns: Markieff Morris’ Road To Redemption
It has been eight years since Marcus and Markieff Morris won their second state title at Philadelphia Prep Charter School.
Beyond that, it has been seven years since the Morris brothers signed their letters of intent to play college basketball at the University of Kansas. Before being split up on draft day, the brothers had played under Bill Self, together, for three years.
ALSO ON VALLEY OF THE SUNS: Markieff Morris: ‘I Want To Be Here’
Aside from a two-year stint in which Marcus Morris was a member of the Houston Rockets, the brothers have never played on opposing teams.
In the wake of general manger Ryan McDonough’s decision to send Marcus, Danny Granger and Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons to make financial room for a LaMarcus Aldridge pitch this summer, the Morris twins will be wearing different uniforms for just the second time in their career.
“I’ve gotten better every year I’ve been in the league, and I’m going to continue to get better with or without my brother,” Markieff said at Media Day.
McDonough when asked if the Suns discussed trading Markieff: "I'm not gonna talk about what we discussed internally."
— Valley of the Suns (@ValleyoftheSuns) September 28, 2015
Keef returned to the Suns for the team’s Media Day on Monday, the first time he spoke to the Suns media since his brother had been traded on Jul. 2.
He declined to speak about any incident that transpired over the summer; he didn’t go into any detail about his relationship with McDonough and didn’t have anything negative to say about anything. Instead, he switched gears:
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“I want to be here,” Markieff said.
While the change of heart helps, damage control might not be that easy for the fifth-year forward. After publically insulting Phoenix fans for their involvement in games and his brother’s altercations with fans online, regaining his reputation in the eyes of the Suns faithful will be the next step in his road to redemption.
However, Markieff doesn’t see that as an issue.
“We gon’ get [it] back,” he said regarding the fan support.
It helps that Markieff has played a vital role for this team as well, so while he has made his mistakes, his absence on the floor would be felt. In his fourth season with the Suns, Markieff started all 82 games, averaging 15.3 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per contest.
“To me, he’s one of the best power forwards in this league,” point guard Eric Bledsoe said. “On some nights he holds the team down himself and sometimes we need guys like that. He’s just a wonderful person to me.”
Aside from relationships and perceptions, for Keef to stick around in Phoenix and redeem himself in the long term, he has got to get back to doing what matters: playing basketball and continuing to improve.
As a 31 percent three-point shooter last year, he discussed his commitment to improving that facet of his game.
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“I shot terrible last year,” Markieff said. “I’ll shoot them better this year.”
The addition of also Tyson Chandler played a role in bridging the gap for Markieff.
“I have always thought he’s a great player,” Chandler said. “I think all this stuff will be behind him, this isn’t the first time that a player has had a miscommunication with management and it’s not going to be the last time it happens. In our league, it seems to always work itself out and I feel like this won’t be any different.”
Chandler’s presence seems to be a source of optimism for Markieff; it’s possible that playing alongside an established big man could pay dividends for his progression and growth as a player.
“I’m super excited,” Markieff said. “I grew up watching him a lot, he’s a great vet, great professional, he won a couple championships and I’m looking forward to starting with him.”
The faith in head coach Jeff Hornacek hasn’t lacked either.
“I’m super confident,” Morris said regarding Hornacek. “He’s been here for a couple years, him and I have a great relationship and I think he’s gonna be here for more years.”
Hornacek doesn’t view the issue as a detriment to the locker room; in fact, he believes players will take a more light-hearted approach;
“If you’re ever in a locker room with a group of players, guys will give each other crap for about a day or two, and then it’s not even thought about again, so I don’t think there’s any problem there whatsoever,” he said.
For now, it seems like all is well in Phoenix and Markieff can get back to being invested in what this team is trying to accomplish. He might start with getting acquainted with rookie Devin Booker.
“I know he’s been around, I know he’s been working out,” Booker said. “But today is my first time seeing him. I know he’s going to be a big help.”
Next: McDonough, Suns Teammates Speak On Markieff Morris Situation