PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are still seeking a solid rotation amid the roster changes during the early season. The Sixers made a big trade at the end of October when they sent James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The trade brought back four players: Marcus Morris Sr., Nic Batum, Robert Covington and KJ Martin. Batum and Covington earned a rotation spot rather quickly with coach Nick Nurse because they had played with the Clippers before the deal. Morris hadn’t played in any games or in training camp, so it has taken him a bit to find his rhythm.
In Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Morris had 16 points and shot 4-for-5 from deep. He also provided tough defense. This has been an adjustment for Morris, but Monday was a step in the right direction.
“It was good, man,” he said after the win. “I’ve always been a starter, so it was definitely difficult trying to figure out where I fit and games like this it was a good game for me. It’s gonna be other guys that come up and step up and that’s the good thing about having a deep team. For myself personally, as soon as I get comfortable, and as soon as they establish a role for me, I think the sky is the limit for myself.”
Still, amid Morris looking for clarity on what the Sixers want from him on the floor, he has remained a professional and a leader on and off the floor. Coach Nick Nurse singled that out after the win.
“It comes natural to me, man,” Morris explained. “I’ve been in the league for 13 seasons. I’ve always been a professional, always been a leader, and just helping young guys in any way, any capacity I can, using my voice. I have a high IQ. I’ve been around a lot of great coaches, played for a lot of great coaches, a lot of great teams so, just being myself man.”
Morris still has a ways to go, but the veteran can obviously still contribute on the floor and the Sixers have benefited from his presence.
“It comes naturally,” Morris Sr. finished. “Just trying to help guys who are trying to find their way and you know, trying to find my way also. Me and Pat (Beverley) have been on a team together so it’s kind of like big brother, little brother. He’s the little brother, if you had to ask.”
The Sixers begin a two-game road trip on Wednesday when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans.
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