Boston Celtics: Marcus Morris is the All-Star no one saw coming
Coming into the season with a Big 5, the Boston Celtics have gotten an All-Star level performance from an unexpected source and his name is Marcus Morris.
The depth and talent of the Boston Celtics is undeniable. In fact, it’s the main reason a team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals a season ago have been a disappointment so far during the 2019-19 season with an up and down 21-15 record.
Yet, the team’s record might not even be that good if not for the performance of Marcus Morris this season.
While Kyrie Irving has been Kyrie Irving, the Celtics have failed to get consistent performances from their other big four. Gordon Hayward is still getting back into the flow of the game, Al Horford has been dealing with knee issues and both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has had to rediscovered their niche on the court.
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With all of that, Morris has really stepped up to become the heart of the team along with Irving. When the team needs a bucket, he is a player who consistently delivers. Through 35 games this season, Marcus Morris is averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Not particularly All-Star numbers, but his value has been on the level of an All-Star and his play in a contract season may just land him on the squad.
In showcasing his leadership and lights out three-point shooting at times, Morris is making his case. Even if the rest of the Eastern Conference doesn’t see it, his head coach does and, in his eyes, Marcus Morris is an All Star.
"“He’s been great,” Brad Stevens said Sunday, via Masslive.com. “I don’t get into the All-Star stuff as far as number of people because I don’t know exactly who he’d be competing against, but he is playing at an All-Star level for our standpoint for sure, and he’s been great. And the best part about it is he’s just doing what he does. It’s not anything more than a guy to me that’s a really good player that’s very comfortable in his role and very comfortable in who he is.”"
Isn’t it poetic?
What’s so poetic about what Marcus Morris has done so far this season is that he was supposed to be the player lost in the depth.
Rumored as a potential NBA trade deadline asset, Morris was simply labeled the odd man out because there is only one basketball to go around.
Instead, Morris has played his game, made big shot after big shot and has worked his way into the starting lineup giving the Boston Celtics the offense and attitude, they were lacking much of the first 20 games of the NBA season.
The All-Star no one seen coming?
Related Story. Marcus Morris continues to play key role. light
Due to the consistency of his play, yes. Add to the fact that he is shooting a career-high 3-point percentage, Marcus Morris has been a player Brad Stevens has leaned on for offense and toughness. But, if you ask Morris, team success comes before any All-Star nod he may or may not get.
"“I mean, it is what it is,” Morris said. “Our team success depends on a lot of stuff, and that’s my main focus. Trying to win games for this team and helping this team as much as possible. If I’m an All-Star, I’m an All-Star, if not, it’s still pretty cool to hear. I’m just happy to be able to stay consistent and be able to play at his high level I’m playing at to help this team.”"
His team-first approach is what has made Morris a tremendous pickup for the team. It wasn’t the most popular trade at the time, but when Danny Ainge pulled the trigger and dealt fan favorite Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons for Marcus Morris, it was seen as a win for the Pistons.
As it turns out, Ainge has gotten the last laugh. Bradley did eventually land Detroit the services of Blake Griffin, but it is the Boston Celtics who landed a more valuable piece to complement what they already have.
Boston Celtics Rumors: Why team should consider trading for Bradley Beal. dark. Next
Consequently, Griffin could be the player that keeps Marcus Morris off the All-Star team. But, like Morris said, he’d rather be playing in June instead of a meaningless exhibition in the middle of February.