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Boston Celtics: 3 goals following 2019 NBA All-Star break

By Joe Hagen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics reacts after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. 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.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics reacts after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 12, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 112-109. 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.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Keep feeding Marcus Morris

In what has been one of the most surprising developments of the season, Marcus Morris has developed into the power forward version of Kyle Korver. The eighth-year vet has been scorching the nets with a career high 40.9 percent conversion rate from deep.

What has been truly remarkable about Morris’ season thus far is, well, there was no indication he would break out like this.

He was good for the Boston Celtics in the 2017-18 season, but he was not the bastion of efficiency and team play we’re seeing today. Sure, he still likes his early shot clock long 2s, but that is an integral piece of his game he has refined his entire playing career, so his use of that shot can be advantageous for Boston.

What has made Morris truly useful is his ability to positively impact the offense with his off-ball presence. Unlike some of the Celtics’ premier players, Morris spends the majority of his time running all over the floor without the ball, spreading out the defenders who now have to rush to cover the stretch-4’s outside game.

This helps to open up the paint for all the Celtics’ ball-handlers. Opposing teams are forced to put size and strength on Morris, because he has shown time and again that he will punish weak defense.

His shooting, along with his solid rebounding (third on team), has been part of what has made the insertion of Marcus Morris to the starting lineup so successful for head coach Brad Stevens. Along with that are the intangibles he brings, the way he carries himself like a pit bull on the court and gets beyond hyped for his teammates.

Pairing Mook with Al Horford has been one of the best things the Boston Celtics have done with this talented roster. Together, they have the right blend of shooting, defense, playmaking and overall toughness to compete with any frontcourt.

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