Tag: Marcus Morris Sr.

Marcus Morris Sr. appreciates consistency Sixers have now given him

Marcus Morris Sr. is appreciative of the consistency he is receiving now from the Philadelphia 76ers.

PHILADELPHIA — It had been a tough start in Philadelphia for forward Marcus Morris Sr. after the veteran was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden deal. He had played sparingly and wasn’t sure of what was expected of him.

Now, it appears Morris has hit his stride. The Philadelphia native is averaging 8.9 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 56.5% from deep over his last eight games. He is providing an edge on the floor and another viable scoring option.

After scoring 12 points off the bench in Philadelphia’s blowout win over the Washington Wizards, Morris admitted he appreciates the consistency he is receiving from the Sixers.

“I think it’s just more consistent,” Morris said of his role. “I mean, like knowing where I’m gonna get in, I know where I’m gonna play at, I think it’s just more so about that. Being a veteran, the only thing you can ask for is consistency. That’s what I’m so now I know how to fit my role, I know the time, and I know what to look for, and trying to fit in a little better.”

Morris is a proven scorer. He has been a productive player at most of his stops, and he understands how to play the game. He just needs a little clarity to be a productive player.

“No real conversation,” he added. “I think more so because just me being a vet so some things are just assumed that I’m gonna do, you know what I’m saying? And I can make happen.”

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Marcus Morris Sr. discusses trade rumors, thankful to play for Sixers

Marcus Morris Sr. discusses trade rumors in the league while also being thankful to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. has been in the NBA for a long time, 13 years as a matter of fact. He understands how the league works when it comes to trades and transactions.

The Sixers acquired the Philadelphia native from the Los Angeles Clippers in the big James Harden trade. Considering he is on an expiring contract, he understands he could be on the move again.

The trade deadline is Feb. 8 and one has to figure Morris will be involved in many trade talks. He is a proven veteran who can put the ball in the basket, and the expiring contract is an attractive trade piece.

“I understand the business part,” Morris said at practice on Thursday. “I know we actively in trades, but just to say I put the jersey on, it’s like a career-defining moment for me, and being home is everything. Seeing my family, seeing people I grew up with and it’s just everything, man.”

In the event Morris is moved ahead of the deadline, the veteran is thankful to throw on a Sixers jersey and represent his city. That was extremely important to him.

“The biggest thing is to be able to bring my kids to the game,” Morris finished. “Show where their father is from. Show the love. I’ve been in the league a time. The love I get from home, it’s just, you know, this is 100-to-none so I enjoy being here, man. I enjoy putting a jersey on and like I said if anything does change, I’m just happy I had a chance to play at home.”

Morris is averaging 4.9 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 45.8% from deep in 13 games with the Sixers. He’s averaging 12.3 minutes per game.

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Sixers address recent struggles of Tobias Harris, offer encouragement

The Philadelphia 76ers address the struggles of Tobias Harris and offer up words of encouragement for him.

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers have had success on the floor to begin the season. They are 13-7 and Joel Embiid is in the middle of another MVP campaign as he continues to take steps forward in the league.

However, a big X factor for the Sixers remains Tobias Harris. The versatile forward out of Tennessee has had a tough go of late. He is averaging 11.8 points, shooting 38% from the floor and a paltry 12.5% from deep over his past five games.

“Just again, can you stay with the things that we want him to do?” said coach Nick Nurse. “And I’m always looking at what we can to improve and put him in other little situations. I think we found a few things again after last night’s game that we can do to help him and not make too big a deal out of it.”

On the season, Harris is averaging 17.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He is shooting 51% from the floor and 31.7% from deep. So one figures he will get through the slump he’s in.

“Just to use the football and baseball (analogies), you know, every now and then you just can’t hit for a few games, and all of a sudden he’s batting — like he’s too good a player,” Nurse continued. “He’s got too many skills. He fits into what we’re doing too much to try to blow it out of proportion.”

Harris had six points on 3-for-9 shooting in Wednesday’s win over the Washington Wizards, but Nurse saw some winning plays from him despite the struggles.

“What I do like is he made a whole bunch of what I would say game-winning plays last night,” Nurse added. “There was a huge blackout on the weak side with about 1:40 to go that he just crushed (Kyle) Kuzma and grabbed the rebound. He continued to make some really nice plays and that’s what I always say. You gotta keep doing those things and then I think good things will happen to him.”

Nurse continues to use positive reinforcement with his Sixers. It doesn’t matter how well or poorly you shoot, it comes down to making winning plays, and Harris has. Nurse let him know about it.

“One-hundred percent,” the coach explained. “One-hundred percent. We talked about it walking down the hall after the game last night. There’s things that I thought I saw that I thought we can help him with offensively, but I didn’t just tell him listen, you made a really tough good plays man even though it wasn’t really going your way offensively and that’s again I keep striving for guys to do that. Keep making plays to help the team even when you’re 2-for-12.”

Marcus Morris Sr., who was a teammate of Harris while with the Detroit Pistons in 2016 and 2017, knows Harris well, and he believes he will turn things around.

“I’ve known him for a while,” Morris said. “We’ve been drafted the same year. So I tell them I mean, it happens in the NBA. The good thing about it is that you play another game the next day or next few days, so he kind of forgets about that game. But at the same time, I can understand his frustration, he wants to play better.”

Morris, like Harris, knows the business of the NBA. He understands his teammate is in a contract year, and he is frustrated he isn’t playing as well as he’d like considering the situation.

“It’s a contract year for him,” Morris finished. “A lot of other things go into that. He has a lot of guys behind them. That’s another thing but my thing to him is just stay in it. Like regardless of how it goes, it can turn around so fast. You’re getting the minutes. You’re still starting which is extremely tough in the NBA. So he’s been around these guys for a while. Just sit down with your team, talk to them, figure out how you can fit yourself in, and continue to play man. You get the minutes that (expletive) can turn around any time.”

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Sixers’ Marcus Morris Sr. in awe of what Joel Embiid does on nightly basis

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Marcus Morris Sr. is in awe of what Joel Embiid does on a nightly basis.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid is the reigning MVP for a reason.

The big fella does it all on the basketball court. He can knock down a 3-pointer. He can score from the mid-range. He can attack the basket. He has post moves, and he can get to the line. You name it, he can do it.

Embiid put his full game on display again on Wednesday when the Sixers knocked off the host Washington Wizards, 131-126. The big man looked at the Wizards, and he saw how easy it was to get his points. He shot 19-for-29 on the night and made everything look simple.

Marcus Morris Sr., who has had his dust-ups with Embiid in the past, praised his teammate and the work he does.

“I’ve been around a lot of guys,” Morris said at practice on Thursday. “The Kawhis (Leonard), the PGs (Paul George), the James Hardens and the Kyries (Irving). I don’t think I’ve been around a player like that before. Just straight dominant in all areas of the court and defensively, too.”

On the season, Embiid is averaging 33.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists  and 1.8 blocks per game. He is a marvel on both ends of the floor and few players compare.

“A lot of guys are on one side,” Morris said of Embiid. “He actually puts his body on the line every night flying and trying to get blocks, rebounds, just being available every night. I take my hat off to him, but he’s definitely the best player that I’ve been around.”

Embiid continues to develop his game. He may have won the MVP award for the 2022-23 season, but he is arguably playing even better basketball to begin this season. He is one of the top players in the game and is approaching even greater all-time status.

“Joel, the (expletive) I be seeing, I can’t believe it,” Morris said. “Like all the (expletive) he can do on a basketball court at that size, being able to be mobile like that, and still like be a good defender. (Expletive). He got the MVP for a reason. I see it now.”

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Joel Embiid out for Sixers vs. Pelicans, Marcus Morris Sr. to start

Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New Orleans Pelicans and they will start Marcus Morris Sr. in his place.

The Philadelphia 76ers already knew they would be without Kelly Oubre Jr., Danuel House Jr. and Jaden Springer when they paid a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

Shortly before the tip, the Sixers found out they would be without the reigning MVP as well.

Joel Embiid is out due to an illness. The big fella will be replaced in the starting lineup by Marcus Morris Sr., who is making his second start of the season.

Without Embiid, the Sixers will need to find a way to contend with Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas and the brute force of Zion Williamson driving into the paint. New Orleans will also welcome C.J. McCollum back to the lineup, so the Sixers will have to dig deep and pull this one out without the big fella.

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Marcus Morris Sr. being a leader amid looking for role clarity with Sixers

Marcus Morris Sr. has been a leader for the Philadelphia 76ers while still looking for clarity in his role.

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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Sixers single out Marcus Morris Sr., bench unit after win over Lakers

The Philadelphia 76ers singled out Marcus Morris Sr. and the bench unit following a blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

PHILADELPHIA — The host Philadelphia 76ers earned a rather easy 138-94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night mostly due to the terrific play of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

However, Philadelphia also knocked down 22 3s and received a big boost from the bench unit. Marcus Morris Sr. had 16 points and shot 4-for-5 from deep while Patrick Beverley had 12 points and shot 4-for-8 from deep.

“Those two guys especially that not only out there on the court tonight gave us a lift, but they’ve been they’ve been great lifts for about the last five or six days,” said coach Nick Nurse after the win. “They’ve really shown some veteran presence in practice, film, pushing everybody to get really focused in and locked in and stuff and it’s great that they get rewarded with some 3-balls.”

Morris has been waiting for his opportunity, and he took full advantage of it on Monday. His 3-point shooting and the toughness he provided was important. Beverley’s contributions on the offensive end as well as getting after it defensively were helpful. That rubs off on the rest of the team.

“They were huge,” added Maxey. “I think Marcus is finally starting to come to his own with his role and he’s beginning to be extremely aggressive and that’s what we need from him. Especially, if they’re going to have open 3s like that, open shots, middies and stuff like that. Pat was great. Pat’s hilarious. His energy is always amazing and what he brings to the table is really good.”

Along with the contributions from Morris and Beverley, the Sixers also received big contributions from Robert Covington and Paul Reed. Covington had seven rebounds while Reed had nine points and he made some big defensive plays.

“Paul Reed was great as well,” Maxey added. “He was out there. He was active while he was out there. I think he was like a plus-33 in like 15 minutes and that’s unheard of. So shoutout to those guys.”

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Marcus Morris Sr. remaining professional despite slow start with Sixers

Philadelphia 76ers veteran Marcus Morris Sr. is remaining professional despite things not going his way at the moment.

CAMDEN, N.J. — When Marcus Morris Sr. joined the Philadelphia 76ers, he was ready for a fresh start. The Philadelphia native was acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden deal, and Morris stated he was ready to surprise some people with his hometown Sixers.

It has been a slow start for Morris. In nine games, he is averaging 2.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 8.9 minutes per game. He’s had games in which he has played only in garbage time, games in which he’s only received a two-minute look in the first half, and in which he’d get a big opportunity. Two of the latter opportunities came Nov. 22 in a start against the Minnesota Timberwolves and on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It has been tough for Morris, a veteran in his 13th season and a starter for the majority of his career, to find a rhythm in Philadelphia.

“Just naturally being a 12-year starter or something like that,” Morris stated on Sunday at practice. “Trying to find my way. It’s a little different, you know what I’m saying? I didn’t expect it to go that way. So, you know, it’s a challenge and I’m up for the challenge. So, like I said, whatever’s thrown my way, I accept it and try to help the team in any capacity I can.”

Despite the situation not going his way at the moment, Morris has been a professional. He has entered every day with the right mindset and he has been working hard in order to stay ready for the next opportunity that presents itself to him.

“Always professional first,” he said. “That’s how I’ve been in the league as long by staying professional and being ready for the minutes that I’ve been in. It’s a little difficult being at home, obviously. Not being able to get the minutes that I expected or wanted personally, but everybody’s competing. Everybody’s trying hard. We’ve been winning so I can’t go out my way and say why am I not playing when we’ve been winning basketball games.”

Morris’ ability to provide toughness down low and knock down a 3-ball consistently has given him a chance to earn minutes as a small-ball 5. Coach Nick Nurse liked what he saw in his start against the Timberwolves.

“That certainly gives us a possibility to do it. I think in the second half, especially, it looked good,” said Nurse. “I think the most important thing from that was that we got to get him out there and see him. We just haven’t — the guy’s landed and the games were coming so fast. I just haven’t had much of a chance to even evaluate them.”

Morris provided nice minutes off the bench in the win over the Thunder and Nurse now knows what he thinks he has in the veteran out of Kansas.

“I thought he provided some nice stuff, and I think that’s probably on the back of getting 25/26 minutes a couple of nights earlier so I feel good about where we’re at with him,” Nurse finished. “I wasn’t sure going into Minnesota where he was, where he fit, what position. Now we certainly know we got some small-ball 5 possibilities with him, but I just think that now we know we got a guy that’s kind of catching up and on board and can play.”

No matter what the Sixers ask of Morris, he’s ready for the task.

“Whatever they ask of me, that’s what I’m gonna do,” he said. “If that’s the case, then that’s the case.”

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Sixers’ Nick Nurse explains decision to start Marcus Morris Sr. vs. Timberwolves

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse explains the decision to start Marcus Morris Sr. in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Philadelphia 76ers were faced with a challenge at Target Center when they visited the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. The game was the second night of a back-to-back and followed an overtime battle at home on Tuesday. They were missing Joel Embiid due to a hip issue.

The result was the Sixers taking a wire-to-wire loss, 112-99, to drop to 10-5 on the season. Minnesota led by as many as 21 and scored 58 points in the paint.

Coach Nick Nurse started Marcus Morris Sr. in place of Embiid rather than turning to a more conventional option such as Paul Reed or Mo Bamba.

Morris played 16 minutes on Wednesday and had 16 points while knocking down three 3s.

“I just wanted to give us a chance to have five guys on the floor to space the floor and give us some spacing,” Nurse told reporters after the loss. “It looked really good to start the second half with that lineup, right? It didn’t quite work out in the first, but I thought he had a good game.”

Nurse is correct about the start of the second half. Philadelphia stretched the floor and moved Rudy Gobert out of the paint, allowing the Sixers to work their way back into the game.

However, Morris had too many issues with Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns on the other end of the floor. He gave a terrific effort, but one can’t teach height.

“He stretched them a little bit,” Nurse added. “I thought he was physical, used his fouls like we wanted him to in there. He’s a good physical player. He was outsized, but I thought he fought hard, and, obviously again, it’s also a chance for us to look at him.”

Morris played sparingly in his previous seven games with the Sixers. Wednesday offered the first real chance for Nurse to evaluate his game. His play on Wednesday could be the beginning of unlocking something of a small ball 5 lineup for Philadelphia in the future.

“We just haven’t had hardly any chance to play him,” Nurse finished. “So it was a good chance to get him some rhythm and get him out there and see what he can do. That may be like talking about small ball 5, that may be a good place for him at some point.”

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Nick Nurse explains why Marcus Morris Sr. has yet to play for Sixers

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse explains why Marcus Morris Sr. has yet to play in the rotation.

DETROIT — The Philadelphia 76ers made a big trade on Halloween: They sent James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers for a big draft haul and four new players to work into the rotation.

Thus far, only Nic Batum and Robert Covington have received real minutes.

Marcus Morris Sr. hasn’t received minutes at all because coach Nick Nurse wants to see more out of him. Morris did not play in the preseason or regular season with the Clippers before the trade. So that inactivity has played a part in Nurse not playing him yet.

“I wanna see him definitely,” said Nurse on Friday. “I still think he’s got a spot in the rotation. He of all the people has played the least, right? So it’s just a little trickier with him, so I’m just waiting for my moment here to give him a chance to see how he looks out there.”

Nurse’s system and style are unique, and it takes time to pick up. Considering Morris has only been working through practices and shootarounds, it takes time to get on the floor.

It also helps that Batum and Covington were playing in games before the trade to Philadelphia.

“They fit in there just really well,” Nurse said. “Obviously, they were playing in great rhythm. Again, Marcus hadn’t played at all. That’s just a little trickier thing to maneuver. We were kind of in a rotation thing already with the other guys so we kinda stay in there as well, but I think I’m pretty happy with how they’ve been worked in so far. I think faster than I expected a bit, but we certainly do want to get Marcus a look as well and see where he fits in.”

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