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Detroit Pistons 2019-20 preview: Markieff Morris’ profile

By Blake Stackpoole

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 7: Markieff Morris #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 7: Markieff Morris #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons and Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards hug after the game on December 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 26: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons and Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards hug after the game on December 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Setting Morris’ 2019-20 expectations

Morris’ skill set and size allows him to play both forward positions and even center in a small-ball lineup when Andre Drummond needs a breather due to the Pistons’ lack of a true center. Morris is going to be the backup for Blake Griffin in the second unit but due to his skill and experience, he’s going to be in the lineup in many different ways.

Against a team like the Milwaukee Bucks where all five players can stretch the floor, coach Dwane Casey may opt to use Morris at the five to prevent Brook Lopez from torching Drummond as he usually does. If a team is more physical and bigger like the Philadelphia 76ers where, their smallest player in their starting five is over 6-foot-6, Morris could be the small forward to add height but keep the shooting that the Pistons have had trouble with over the next few years.

Related Story. How Markieff Morris will impact the Pistons. light

Due to the injury history of Griffin, Markieff will probably start a few games as the starting power forward as Casey could look to use the load management strategy. As it was revealed that Griffin played through a torn meniscus last post season, he gave every ounce of his strength to the Detroit Pistons last year but just ran out of gas.

Outside of the games where Morris will start for Blake, his role would be similar to what he had in Oklahoma City in the second half of last season. Morris will most likely be the seventh or eighth man coming on the floor after Rose and, possibly, Luke Kennard.

Look for Morris to score around 7-10 points per game this season and shoot above 33 percent from three. He should grab around 4 rebounds per game with 1 assist, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest.

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