NBA Draft Profile: Markieff Morris
Jun 22, 2011, 10:54 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2011, 5:53 pm
Markieff Morris is known as the other half of the Morris Twins of Kansas, he is the bigger of the two at 6-8, 241 lbs. His calling card is defense and rebounding, both are attributes that the current group of Suns big men already possess. The skills of Markieff went largely unnoticed by the casual fan, but what he did opened up the opportunity for his brother to shine on the offensive end. His hustle was shown mainly on defense where Markieff was the anchor the Kansas frontline.
On defense his strength was evident in the college game, he was able to create position and own the paint. The mobility he displayed allowed Markieff to range out to guard quicker forwards on the perimeter. That is not an area he wants to be exposed to often, but can step out on occasion and cover the more perimeter oriented forwards (and centers).
On offense Markieff shot the ball at high percentage from the field and from three, he is a quality shooter, but that is not his calling card. He still does not have an identity on offense right now. The shooting is improved, but not an elite skill. In the paint he is big, but has been turnover prone and has limited moves down there.
On a Suns team where offense is the focal point and design they have won with in the Steve Nash Era, Markieff brings the qualities previous big men have not possessed. This may not be the sexy pick, it may not even effect wins/loses, but you know what you are getting with Markieff.
