The Detroit Pistons signed Markieff Morris to a two year deal. Can he provide the same energy that his twin brother did for the Pistons?
It’s the 2015 off-season. The Phoenix Suns are looking to clear cap to lure LaMarcus Aldridge. Desperate to clear cap, the Suns trade Marcus Morris and Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons for a 2020 second round pick.
The Pistons got two solid starters on their roster for a second round pick. This trade split the twin brother duo of Marcus and Markieff Morris. The Pistons found their new starting small forward in the deal. While Markieff would be traded to the Washington Wizards later in the season.
Marcus spent two season with the Pistons. He started every game played in a Pistons uniformed and averaged 14.1 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three.
Morris was a solid addition in his two season with the Pistons. He helped propel the Pistons into the playoffs in the 2015-16 season for the first time since 2008.
Morris was able to give Pistons fan the Detroiter vibe whenever he stepped on the floor. His never give up mentality combined with his bad boy attitude was easily welcomed by Pistons fans.
Unfortunately the Pistons traded Morris in the 2017 off-season in exchange for Avery Bradley. Morris would eventually play his next two season with the Boston Celtics before signing with the New York Knicks in this year’s off-season.
But now the Pistons have his older twin brother Markieff Morris on the team! Markieff spent his last season with the Washington Wizards and Oklahoma City Thunder. In 58 games, he would average 9.4 points per game and 4.6 rebounds on 42.1 percent shooting from the field and 33.5 percent from three.
Unlike his brother Marcus, Markieff is not a small forward. Markieff has played the power forward position for his entire career. Can Markieff provide the same energy as his brother did with the Pistons? The answer is yes and no.
Marcus Morris started every game in a Pistons uniform. Markieff Morris will be playing the power forward position with this team. He’s obviously not going to be starting for the Pistons all-star Blake Griffin. Meaning Markieff will be a role player off the bench.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t provide the same energy. Just like his brother Marcus, Markieff can bring that bad boy attitude that Pistons fans love! He’s going to get into the opponent’s ear and trash talk all game. He’s going to backup his teammate anytime they get in a scuffle.
Marcus is the better three point shooter than Markieff. Markieff is a 33.8 percent shooter from three in his career. While Marcus is a 36 percent shooter. Markieff’s game is around the rim while Marcus likes to shoot from distance. 26.3 percent of Marcus’ shots come from 0-10 feet. While 41.3 percent of Markieff’s shot come from 0-10 feet.
It’s going to be exciting to see if Markieff can fill the shoes his brother did in Detroit!