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New Orleans Pelicans: Pros And Cons Of Trading For Markieff Morris

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 10, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dribbles the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) defends during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dribbles the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) defends during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) gestures in the second half of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Current Play

Surprisingly, there are still interested suitors despite Keef’s rocky start to the 2015-16 season.

Even if you throw out all the concern over his attitude problems, Morris is only averaging 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds on an abysmal 38.6 percent shooting (27.6 percent from three-point range) this year — a significant drop-off from the 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game he averaged last season.

Anderson has been leagues better than Morris in 2015-16, averaging 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game on .447/.376/.855 shooting splits. He’s coming off the bench, but he’s been a human flamethrower for the Pelicans at times this season, including back-to-back 30-point performances in mid-November.

While Keef has been benched in Phoenix in favor of Jon Leuer and Mirza Teletovic, Anderson remains New Orleans’ most important reserve.

That’s not saying much for a 5-16 team, and it’s worth noting that Leuer and Teletovic have been superb in Phoenix, combining to make 67-of-150 three-pointers (44.7 percent). But adding a player who’s been slumping and swapping him with a key reserve who’s been consistent represents a swing-for-the-fences type move on the Pelicans’ part.

The argument could very well be made that NOLA just needs time to right the ship now that Tyreke Evans is back, especially since New Orleans is currently only five games out of a playoff spot.

Next: Pro: Long-Term Pairing

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