Marcus Morris says he doesn’t need to take more shots

Apr 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) shoots over Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) shoots over Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) in the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Morris has been huge for the Detroit Pistons on both ends of the floor over the last month. With his added production, some wonder if he should be a more focal point of the offense.

Marcus Morris has really hit his stride over the last month. In 15 games in March, Morris averaged 16.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists. What was most impressive about Morris is how efficiently he was scoring the basketball with shooting numbers at nearly 50 percent from the field and a shade over 50 percent from behind the three-point line.

He’s kept the hot streak going into April–albeit only two games–averaging 23.5 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steals, 1.5 blocks, and shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from behind the arc.

Morris’ recent scoring uptick has lead many to wonder whether or not he should be a more involved in the offensive game plan.

When asked about taking more shots, Morris said that it’s more important for the Pistons to continue to move the ball.

Morris via MLive:

"“We a team, so at the end of the day we need guys to take open shots,” he said. “I’m not here to shoot the ball all the time. Even if I’m hot, I made the plays – I made the right plays – and just continue to play basketball. Because there are times when I’m not shooting well, the ball still needs to move no matter who’s hot or who’s not. We’ve still got to play winning basketball.”"

Van Gundy agreed saying that Morris’ efficiency is a byproduct of taking smart shots:

"“He plays the game the right way,” Van Gundy said. “He’s a team guy, he makes the right plays. He’s an unselfish guy. One of the reasons he’s been shooting the ball as well as he has is he’s getting – and taking – good shots. He’s not trying to get more shots and anything else. He’s getting good, unbalanced shots and everything else.”"

Morris has been taking and making great shots. While he does have the ability to play one-on-one in post ups, it’s better for the Pistons’ offense if the ball continues to move–especially with all of the scoring options they have.

One of the reason Morris has been so deadly on offense is because he’s been getting into shooting lanes and making the most of the opportunities his teammates are creating for him.

He’s is the perfect example of a player who knows their role and is making the most of it. By adding more responsibility at the offensive end, there’s a chance that his numbers and efficiency dip due to a lack of comfort.

More, importantly it might disrupt the flow of the other players as the offense has been built around Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond pick-and-roles.

I wouldn’t change a thing if I were Van Gundy.