Age: 23

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.

Birthday: Sept. 2, 1989

Height: 6-9

Weight: 235

Position: SF/PF

Experience: 1 year

Draft: 2011, 14th overall by the Houston Rockets

College: Kansas

2012-13 Salary: $1,905,360

Consult our advanced stats page for a glossary and discussion of the preceding metrics.

Season Outlook: The twin brother of Markieff Morris, Marcus joined the Suns at the trade deadline in exchange for a second-round pick. So far in 2012-13, the small forward had been one of the most improved sophomores in the NBA by getting ample playing time with the high-scoring Houston Rockets. Though he played a lot of stretch four alongside Houston’s clever second-round pick Chandler Parsons, it’s expected that Morris will see more time at the small forward slot in Phoenix.

Marcus is a more fluid version of Markieff. He’s an inch shorter, 10 pounds lighter and should provide Phoenix with another small forward to somehow fit into the rotation, joining P.J. Tucker and Michael Beasley. Though none of his numbers jump out this year — relative to his rookie season, however, they all jump out — Morris is a considerably better three-point shooter than last year.

Lance Blanks’ term of “synergy” between the Morris brothers will add an additional advantage to the Suns’ roster, as the twins remain close. Marcus even stayed with Markieff and worked out in Phoenix during the offseason. That said, it remains to be seen how Michael Beasley will handle the addition of a similar combo forward to the roster.

– Kevin Zimmerman

Biography: The smaller and younger of the Morris twins, Marcus Morris grew up with his brother, Suns teammate Markieff, in Philadelphia and helped Prep Charter High School to state titles in 2006 and 2007. From there, they headed off to play for the Kansas Jayhawks, where they won the Big 12 regular-season title three times. The twins played three years for the Jayhawks, where they were part of a deep frontcourt that produced NBA prospects Thomas Robinson and Jeff Withey. Marcus averaged 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds in his junior season before declaring for the NBA Draft.

He was taken 14th overall by the Houston Rockets and a pick behind Markieff. After a disappointing rookie season, Marcus Morris played much better in his second year before he was traded to Phoenix in exchange for a second-round pick.

– Kevin Zimmerman

Links to ValleyoftheSuns coverage of Morris:

Marcus Morris trade adds another future asset at low cost