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Phoenix Suns: Markieff Morris A Case Study In The Human Element

By Michael Dunlap

Nov 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris reacts against the Detroit Pistons at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Markieff Morris wasn’t happy at the beginning of the season, and the Phoenix Suns suffered because of it — now the ice is melting, and it’s no surprise the Suns are improving

Basketball is a game and the NBA is a business, but the commonalities between the two center around one thing — it’s played (and managed by) real people. That human element comes into play with every decision and can adversely affect an entire team with one mishap. The Phoenix Suns learned this firsthand with offseason moves that irked Markieff Morris.

Now that former head coach Jeff Hornacek has been relieved of his duties, interim head coach Earl Watson has made one very notable change — he’s tabbed Morris as the centerpiece of the offense and has challenged him to lead the team.

Morris lauded Watson’s choice, talking about how important it is to have more defined roles and more varied opportunities on the offensive end. Although the team is still ravaged by injuries (and is 0-3 since Watson took over), there have been some silver linings in an otherwise dark time for the team.

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MARKIEFF MORRIS’ GAME REINCARNATED

We’re only a year removed from Morris averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while starting in all 82 games for the Suns. He shot a respectable 46.5 percent from the field in that 2014-15 season and looked as if he was ready to make the jump from reliable starter to fringe star.

Instead, the trade of Marcus Morris pushed Markieff away from that basketball potential, as his discontent with the team clearly affected his ability to perform on the court. Pair that with inconsistent playing time and a disconnect with management, and you get these horrific averages (before Watson took over):

10.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 38.4 FG%, 28.1 3P%, 71.4 FT%, 17 DNP

With Watson at the helm and a featured role in the offense (and a renewed spring in his step), Markieff has improved upon every number in a big way:

20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 42.6 FG%, 44.4 3P%, 78.6 FT%

INCREASING VALUE, WHEREVER HE MAY LAND

The consensus is that Markieff is still going to be dealt by the trade deadline, which would give him the change that he sought at the beginning of the season. It’s fortunate that he’s playing well again, as his value had tanked to the point where the Suns wouldn’t get anywhere near proper value for him.

Now that he’s back performing (and is showing signs of leadership), the Suns are back in a better position. If they choose to trade the reinvigorated Morris, they’ll get something closer to true value for him. If they decide to hold onto him, they’ll have a valuable piece with which to pair Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight.

More hoops habit: Phoenix Suns: 5 Long-Term Replacements For Jeff Hornacek

The emergence of Archie Goodwin and rookie Devin Booker give the Suns a lot of reasons for hope moving forward. If they can find a way to turn the Morris situation into a net-positive for the organization, there’s no reason to expect them to stay in the Western Conference basement for much longer.

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