#13: Markieff Morris
The Phoenix Suns have selected former Kansas forward Markieff Morris with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Markieff is the first of the Morris twins to be selected with brother Marcus still on the board.
At 6’9″ 241 pounds, the 21-year old Morris averaged 13.6 points a game while shooting 58.9% from the field at Kansas. He also pulled down 8.3 boards a game.
The Suns are a team in transition after a 40-42 season that placed them 10th in the Western Conference.
Morris should help provide a physical presence for the Suns who clearly missed Amar’e Stoudemire last year.
“I’m grateful,” said Morris. “I’m thankful being put in this position, and I’m going to work my hardest every day and try to contribute to this Phoenix Suns team.”
Markieff can the shoot the ball so that likely factored into the offensive-minded Suns who are expected to keep Steve Nash for the final year of his contract.
Originally Marcus was projected to go higher but the Suns went with Markieff who may be more willing to play in the paint than his sibling.
For an enlightening study of both Morris Twins, HOOPSWORLD’s Susan Bible wrote Morris Twins Prepare to Separate back in May.
Markieff is probably more of an NBA four than his brother who may be able to play three as well.
The Suns have an assortment of power players in Marcin Gortat, Channing Frye, Hakim Warrick, Robin Lopez, Gani Lawal and Garret Siler. {AUTHOR_BOX}
Gortat is a physical player but Frye is far more comfortable on the perimeter. It remains to be seen if Lawal and Siler develop into regular contributors. Warrick has his moments but Lopez really struggled this past year.
“[I will be] able to score the ball whenever they give it to me,” said Morris. “Being able to be effective on the pick and roll with Steve, and definitely being able to bring my defensive presence.”
Morris may be able to carve out a role in the rotation even as a rookie.
Morris was happy to see his brother Marcus drafted right behind him at #14.
“It’s a great feeling. Once I was called, I still had a little, you know, a little pressure on me waiting for my brother to be called,” said Markieff “Once he was called, it just came off, and we are both grateful and thankful”
Markieff said he won’t rub it in.
“You know, we are both drafted and we both told reporters out there, maybe when I’m 60, I’ll tell him I got one up on him,” said Morris.
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