Introduction: Morris may not be the savior of the Thunder's second lineup as many people expect, but his existence does give Billy Donovan an all-around weapon.
Since the beginning of this season, everyone has had extensive discussions on "who should be the Thunder team's 's power forward". At that time, Patrick Patterson looked like he had his strengths: he had extensive experience, had a range of 3-pointers, and seemed to contribute something on the defensive end. But with the emergence of Jerami Grant, he was firmly pressed on the bench. With the arrival of Markieff Morris , it seems that his rotation position needs to be adjusted backwards.
But there is no way, who said he is Markieff Morris?
In 2019, everyone in this league understood what "space" means to an NBA team. And with Russell Westbrook completely losing his three-point shooting package of MVP season (28.4% from three-point shooting this season) and Alex Abrines has been cut, adding an inside player with stable shooting ability to the rotation is even more important for the Thunder. And that's exactly what Markieff Morris means to the Thunder.
This 29-year-old power forward missed nineteen games this season due to temporary cervical nerve paralysis, and his data also declined. But his three-pointer is still trustworthy. He can provide the Thunder with the space, firepower and bench depth they need - in fact, most teams in this league need these things, which also explains why since he was traded to the Pelicans and then cut, the Houston Rockets , the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors have contacted him one after another.
But because the Thunder promised that they would give him an important role in the frontcourt, Morris and his agent Rich Paul chose the Thunder. He can attack the basket with the ball or catch a pass and make a long shot. While he may not be the savior of the second team as many expected, his presence does give Billy Donovan an all-around weapon. This also provides a variety of options for the Thunder lineup, and now they can fully develop a small lineup they didn't have before to deal with special opponents (such as the Denver Nuggets).
In today's league, the ability to change and adapt to the game is very important. If you consider that playoffs will start within one month, then this matter is even more important. At this critical moment, instead of relying on players who are less experienced and more suitable to stay at the end of the bench or in the Development League, trusting a veteran who has proven himself in this league is undoubtedly a better choice.
For Presti and the Thunder, signing Morris is a low-risk, high-reward operation. At best, Morris would be an efficient scorer, in which case his precise projection, offensive firepower and toughness would add a dimension to the Thunder’s roster that no one else except Westbrook has. And at worst, you can at least get his tough side.
Some players do not have fear and retreat in their blood, such as Morris. If you walk towards him angrily, he will also push you forward without fear. If you spray trash at him, he will immediately squirt with you. If you reach out to provoke him, he will immediately reach out to respond to you. Toughness is different from the feel and skills, which is rooted in a player's DNA.
If the Thunder need a player to come forward this season in the playoffs and cause trouble to Kevin Durant, Drummond Green, Montrezl Harrell or Paul Millsap, he will definitely satisfy you.
Morris wants to prove that he still has oil in the fuel tank and wants to prove that he can play an important puzzle in a strong team.Between last year's playoffs, he once stated how firm his belief in winning. Obviously, he chose the Thunder because he wanted to join a team that is highly competitive and able to go far in the playoffs. We also make sense to believe that he will work hard to contribute to this team. If you are willing to recall, you will remember that before his younger brother Marcus Morris joined Boston Celtics , Markieff was generally considered the better one of the brothers.
Since his younger brother, who is only 7 seconds younger than him, has become a better player due to changes in the environment, then we also have reason to have good expectations for changing the environment, right?
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-