Fansided

Phoenix Suns’ Markieff Morris has a huge opportunity

By Andrew Melnick

Mar 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) and guard Goran Dragic (1) high five after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) and guard Goran Dragic (1) high five after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Phoenix Suns were one of the big surprises of the NBA, going 48-34 last year. They hoped to bring their team back in tact and make a few additions. They added another point guard in Sacramento Kings’ restricted free agent Isaiah Thomas, but restricted free agent guard Eric Bledsoe’s status is up in the air and the Suns lost starting big man Channing Frye to the Orlando Magic in free agency.

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According to John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders, Morris has a huge chance to step up in Frye’s absence.

"He came off the bench for all 82 games, but like Taj Gibson, that doesn’t diminish his importance. The Suns relied heavily on Morris to provide a scoring punch for their second unit, especially when Eric Bledsoe was injured and Gerald Green was forced into the starting lineup. Morris managed to deliver all season long, and even had his name mentioned in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. With Channing Frye off to Orlando, Morris may have the chance to step into the starting rotation this upcoming season. After what he showed last season, more minutes for Morris certainly seems like a good idea."

Both Markieff and his twin brother, Marcus, should both have big opportunities and it will be interesting to see if either can improve their outside shooting – Frye’s ability to knock down shots from the outside really helped the Suns’ guards get into the paint.

Last season, Morris averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 48.6% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc and 79.2% from the free throw line. Morris, who was originally selected by the Suns with the 13th-overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft, has averaged 10.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 44.0% from the floor, 33.3% from three and 76.4% from the charity stripe.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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