The Los Angeles Clippers got their hands on Marcus Morris, someone who adds more toughness up front. And the investment immediately showed the difference after the Clips demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers, 133-92.
There is no question that the Clippers look pretty formidable on paper right now. The center spot has been the big problem for head coach Doc Rivers, relying entirely on Montrezl Harrell before the Morris trade. Morris seems pumped up with his new team, pretty confident that he can help the Clippers' drive towards the NBA playoffs.
“I’m excited to get started but you going to see how well I fit. It’s going to be easy for me. I’m a high-IQ guy, can play any position on the court and I think it’s going to be very beneficial for both sides,” said Morris in a report from the Los Angeles Times.
There is no doubt Morris can provide the Clippers a big lift. Playing alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Los Angeles has a pretty talented frontline that can help the team go deep in the postseason wars. But Rivers feels that they need a guard to shore up the roster further. A target was Darren Collison but the 32-year-old has decided to stay retired, saying the timing was not right to make an NBA return, ESPN reported.
Whatever happens this season, all eyes will be on Morris. The fact is that he is on a one-year $15 million deal and will become a free agent once more in the summer. For those who may be unaware, the 30-year-old cager is the same guy who spurned a three-year $41 million deal with the Clippers prior to the 2019-20 NBA wars. The 6-foot-8 forward also turned his back on the San Antonio Spurs $20 million offer, opting to settle to a one-year deal with the Knicks. Could this scenario kick in the next offseason once more?
The answer to that could be swayed depending on how far the Clippers will go. If they win the NBA title, Morris may have no reason to leave his current team and test the market. There is also the case of chemistry. For now, the 14th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft says he will fit in perfectly. But all that could change moving forward. One game does not define how well the former Kansas Jayhawk blends in, meaning the tune may change moving forward.
