Marcus Morris — #15 SF
Age:
24
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
Birthday: Sept. 2, 1989
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Position: SF/PF
Experience: 2 years
Draft: 2011, 14th overall by the Houston Rockets
College: Kansas
2013-14 Salary: $1,987,320
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Consult our advanced stats page for a glossary and discussion of the preceding metrics.
Season Outlook: This is going to be an interesting year for Marcus Morris with the Suns. When Marcus arrived from Houston late last season, his arrival was supposed to spark both he and his brother Markieff’s play. But with Marcin Gortat injured, interim coach Lindsey Hunter struggling and the Suns mired in an abysmal losing streak, there wasn’t any hope for a spark. The brothers’ chemistry was on full display in the Vegas Summer League as they helped lead the Suns’ squad to the inaugural title game, but whatever progress Marcus made over the summer was nowhere to be found in the preseason. He played only sparingly and scored in double-figures only once.
At the start of the regular season, Marcus will definitely be a part of the rotation at small forward, but any definite role will have to be earned. He will have to battle both P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green for time at the 3 spot. One way he can garner minutes is with his outside shooting. The Suns were terrible from downtown last year, so floor spacing will be a key part of their attack this season. If Marcus can be a legitimate three-point threat, then can earn himself a permanent spot in the second unit. His size will allow the Suns to go big when they need to while still having a legitimate small forward on the floor. This is a de facto contract year for Marcus even though the Suns picked up his rookie option for next season, and as such, he has 82 games to fight for his NBA future.
— Ryan Weisert
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: