Evaluating Each Suns Frontcourt Player After 21 Games

Markieff Morris

Nov 24, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris (11) shoots against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 26.2 MPG, 13 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, .505 FG%, .353 3p%

Like his brother, Markieff Morris got his share of the Wonder Twin powers that kicked in this season. He’s put up career numbers in almost all areas of the game, and won the Western Conference Player of the Week award, the first Suns player to do that since Amar’e Stoudemire did in 2005.

Markieff has begun to use his physical gifts to get inside the paint to fight for points and rebounds, rather than relying on the three-point shot. He has attempted only 17 threes in 21 games. Still, he has room for improvement with his post game. Both he and Marcus often rely too much on isolation jumpers. While they are lucky right now, sooner or later the streak may run cold, and Markieff will have to play like the power forward he is.

It took three years, but the Morris brothers may have finally found their groove in the NBA. They have become a formidable duo off the bench, and are a big reason for the Suns surprising start.

Grade: A