Phoenix Suns: An Open Letter To Markieff Morris

HoopsHabit.com’s Editor-in-Chief has an open letter to soon-to-be former Phoenix Suns’ power forward Markieff Morris to share.

Markieff,

We met late in your second season with the Phoenix Suns, when the team was toiling under Lindsey Hunter and you were struggling to find consistent minutes. You had just worked back into the starting lineup, but on this day you played just 20 minutes in a 31-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In what became a tradition, you were much more willing to talk to your brother and other Suns teammates than any of us in the media. At the time, I didn’t quite understand why — but I wisened up quick.

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I had already decided that you were a player to watch, as I kept close tabs on you during your time at the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk, baby). I loved the fact that at 6-foot-10, you were able to get to the basket and finish over just about anyone on the court (69 percent at the rim is impressive). I wasn’t worried that you hadn’t developed much of an outside jumper yet, as that would come later. It was appropriate that Draft Express compared you to Rasheed Wallace because I believed (and still do) that with more refinement, you would be a similar player.

Later in that 2012-13 season, you did something that no player in the NBA had done in 15 years — you scored 20 points with seven rebounds, five steals and six blocks. Since 1998, only you and Anthony Davis (once) has done it. That kind of all-around effort and production sold me on your future in the desert. Only you and Luis Scola played in all 82 games that year and I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to suit up for that team of mismatched talent.

I wish more people would think about your game in a more positive light — for the fact you were one of the most clutch guys on the roster in 2014-15 or the fact that you’ve improved every season, instead of basing your entire existence off of pending litigation, a frustrated sound byte and now a trade demand. There are a hell of a lot of judges out there and not one of them knows the real Markieff.

Part of that is of your own accord, as I’m sure you’re aware. Many athletes use the media to their advantage, as we are a conduit to the fans and the rest of the NBA. You never really have. A big problem with only speaking (more than the canned responses) candidly when things are bad is that it will get blown out of proportion more than if you spoke freely on a regular basis.

I was in the locker room after the San Antonio Spurs blowout when you blasted Phoenix fans. I couldn’t believe what was coming out of your mouth, but you know what? I couldn’t disagree, either. I’ve defended you on multiple occasions, largely because I feel like you speak the truth. Yet, when you did speak up, you got killed from every angle. You stuck your neck out and 15 swords came swinging down. Not one teammate (aside from Marcus) came to your aid, either. I recall Gerald Green saying the same things, but only you had the stones to say something.

What did your honesty get you? You got crushed on social media. You spoke up again with your desire to be traded — as if you should be ashamed that you want to change your locale. For that, you got guys like this trying to stir things up:

In addition to being an NBA writer, I’m a fan. I’m not a failed athlete who is trying to hold onto some past glory nor am I someone who wants to be in a locker room just to rub elbows with famous people. I know you and I never were and never will be anything more than NBA player and NBA writer, but I always tried to treat you like a regular person. It’s why I talked to you about playing craps and living with Thomas Robinson in the offseason instead of what happened on the court that night. I understand that a lot of media members don’t do that and it seemed like you were soured on us as a whole early in your career.

I can’t blame you, either. If you had put me in front of strangers who make a living creating storylines and controversy in my 20’s, I’d have been awfully cynical and paranoid about how my words would be twisted and contorted to fit whatever agenda they wanted to push.

Now that I’ve blown enough sunshine up your a**, let’s talk about your current situation with the Suns.

First things first — based on how Goran Dragic left town (and talked about empty promises), I believe there’s a lot more to this story that we aren’t privy to. I can understand your frustration as it relates to your brother being shipped out of town. You’re smart enough to know that this is a business, but you were naive enough to believe the deal the Suns gave you would have any personal touch at all.

Many fans and media members have chastised you for your handling of this situation. They’ve jumped to conclusions, assuming you believe you’d be able to play with your brother forever.

In my opinion, the Suns should have known you better. This is a job where you’re with teammates, coaches and team officials more than you’re with family (at least in season). Did they not realize that #FOE is more than a clever catchphrase to you? Did they not see that EVERY SINGLE DAMN NIGHT it was you and your brother, side by side? It was a dream scenario and they took it away expecting you to just roll over and be cool with it?

You have every right to be upset with the organization. You’re a person and deserve to be treated like more than just “No. 11.”

Should they have given you a say in the matter? No, that’s not the right way to look at it. I liken it to someone dating a best friend’s ex. You don’t have to ask permission, but running it by them first is the right thing to do. It’s common courtesy. Don’t forget, all of this was put in motion in hopes of landing LaMarcus Aldridge, which would have been a major coup and a damn-near guaranteed trip back to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the way you’ve handled your anger is hurting everyone involved. It’s hurting your value, it’s hurting your image and it’s hurting the Suns (I know, YDGAF). I still remember you not wanting to talk to the media after your career-best game — you’re a proud man who doesn’t need anyone’s approval or kudos to sleep at night.

We’re heading towards a really awkward Media Day. You’ve asked for a trade, though you’ve also mentioned that you will show up if not traded by the reporting date (Sep. 27). While I can say that I’ve had a much more pleasant relationship with you than most of my media brethren (and don’t agree with their approach to your situation), I have to agree with them on one thing — it’s time for a change.

I hope you get your wish and get the trade you seek. Perhaps your greatest attribute is your vicious and unrelenting loyalty and I can’t blame you for setting fire to the bridge between you and the Suns. You deserve an organization that will show you more respect and courtesy after four years of blood, sweat and tears.

Best of luck to you, Kieff.

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