Emergence of Suns’ Markieff Morris
Consistent play of the entire Phoenix Suns rotation has been the key to their success halfway through the 2014-2015 season, but improved play from years prior has also been a driving factor to the Suns 28-22 record. The former Jayhawk has improved his numbers progressively over his four seasons and has been more than just a consistent contributor this year for Phoenix.
Markieff Morris, the fourth-year, 6’10” power forward from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!), has started all 50 games for the Suns this season after not making one start last year. The eldest of the two Morris twins was given the starting gig after the Suns allowed Channing Frye to walk and sign with the Orlando Magic.
Morris’ health has been relatively reliable thus far in his career as he played in 63 of 66 games in his rookie season, all 82 games (including 32 starts) in his sophomore season, and came off of the bench for 81 games last season. Having someone who you can count on to be in the starting lineup is key to building a team because a team would be nothing without a strong foundation.
After putting up 13.8 points per game last year he has boosted that number up to 15.3 points per game. With the balanced scoring attack that the Suns possess, Morris is fourth on the team in scoring behind Eric Bledsoe (16.9), Goran Dragic (16.5), and Isaiah Thomas (15.4).
The effectiveness of Morris can be seen clearly when you add in the 5.9 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, and the 48.3% shooting clip for a primarily mid-range jump shooter. The bump in minutes has boosted his confidence in the first 50 games of the season and he could very well be a determining factor in the Suns chase for a playoff spot.
Dec 26, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) runs up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-106. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix currently sits in the 8th spot in the Western Conference playoffs, just one game above the New Orleans Pelicans and three games above the Oklahoma City Thunder. If Morris can continue his consistency on the court, it could take the Suns a long way toward reaching the postseason.
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In the Western Conference each playoff-caliber team has a stud point guard and a stud post player. The Suns’ roster consists of three great point guards (first, second, and third on the team in scoring) and Morris could very well be thrown into the talks of a top-tier power forward in the Western Conference.
Sure, his name isn’t the sexiest on paper. He isn’t Dirk Nowitzki, but he hangs right in there with those him in the box score. Nowitzki is averaging 18.3 ppg (46.8% shooting) and 6.0 rpg, while he is the team’s second scoring option. Morris right behind him in both of those categories as the Suns’ fourth scoring option.
Dec 23, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The depth that the Suns have on the team this year is a blast to watch and Morris is the center-piece of it all. Late in games the ball often lands in Morris’ hands as his teammates all seem pretty comfortable with him taking clutch shots.
In a 113-111 loss to the Houston Rockets in January the Suns trailed by 15 points with just over 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Morris scored 11 points in the final frame, including six points down the stretch to help Phoenix go on a 24-9 run to tie the game up. James Harden would nail a buzzer-beater for the win, but if it weren’t for Morris’ strong play down the stretch the Suns wouldn’t have come close to knotting the game up.
Phoenix has a tough road ahead of them, but if they are able to make it to the promised land of the postseason, it’s a whole new season and I would love to see how this young, talented Suns team would do against the powerhouses of the Western Conference.