CAMDEN, N.J. — New Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. is from the city. He went to Prep Charter High School before playing his college ball at Kansas, so he is completely familiar with what is expected in the City of Brotherly Love.
After being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade, Morris is ready for a fresh start in his hometown. His minutes and his production began to decline toward the end of this time with Los Angeles, and the Sixers offer up a needed change of scenery.
“Wherever they need me,” Morris said of the Sixers. “I think it’s gonna be a big surprise to a lot of you of what I’m gonna bring to this team, what I’m gonna bring to this city. I’m excited and wherever they need me at, that’s what I’ll do.”
What will contribute to being a surprise for Morris on the floor?
“I just think the way the team I was on in previous years, I didn’t feel like I was myself,” he explained. “I was on the West Coast. I think y’all know it’s a big difference of being on East and West. I just don’t think — I know I wasn’t myself. I know I wasn’t half like half myself.”
The 34-year-old still has something left in the tank, and he wants to prove it. He clearly was feeling off while in LA. Now that he’s back in Philly, he’s ready to get after it.
“So being able to come home and being able to play in front of different fans and embracing the fans and embracing the fan base and being able to see my family a lot, it’s gonna be a different atmosphere for me,” Morris continued. “A different turnout.”
Playing next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey should also prove helpful for the veteran out of Kansas. He believes he can make their lives easier on the floor.
“Easily,” he said. “Joel’s the best big man in the league. Maxey’s an up-and-coming star in this league. Just playing off them, finding my spots, and making it easier. I’m a veteran, I’m a high-character guy, I’m a leader, so I think it’ll be a piece of cake. Honestly.”
At the end of the day, being from Philadelphia, Morris knows the best way to earn the respect of the city is to win.
“I’m from Philadelphia,” he said. “So I know there’s always expectations to win.”
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