PHILADELPHIA, PA — Former Celtics forward Marcus Morris will suit up for his new team in Philadelphia this week, and the Celtics will see him again.
The 76ers acquired the veteran from the Clippers earlier this month along with Robert Covington, KJ Martin, and Nicolas Batum in exchange for James Harden and PJ Tucker. Morris had yet to play for the Clippers this season and had been on the bench for the team since a shocking late-season benching last April. Morris did participate in the postseason due to injuries, although he was not with the team consistently to begin the season before being traded to Boston’s rival.
The 76ers acquired the veteran from the Clippers earlier this month along with Robert Covington, KJ Martin, and Nicolas Batum in exchange for James Harden and PJ Tucker. Morris had yet to play for the Clippers this season and had been on the bench for the team since a shocking late-season benching last April. Morris did participate in the postseason due to injuries, although he was not with the team consistently to begin the season before being traded to Boston’s rival.
Morris was honest in an interview with MassLive when questioned about his challenging circumstances in Los Angeles over the last six months, which saw him frequently in trade rumors.
After the deal, the veteran spoke with reporters further about the issue.
“I only remember how the team I was on in past years… Morris stated earlier this month, “I didn’t feel like myself.” “I was constantly on the West Coast.” We’re all aware of the distinction between East and West. I knew I wasn’t myself; I knew I wasn’t even half my normal self. So being able to come home and perform in front of other supporters, embracing the fans and the following, and seeing my family a lot will be a different situation for me.”
Morris spent two seasons with the Celtics after being acquired in July 2017 in exchange for Avery Bradley. He became a free agent in the summer of 2019 and signed a one-year contract with the Knicks after Boston decided to clear cap space in order to acquire Kemba Walker. Despite his brief tenure in Boston, Morris hugged Jayson Tatum before Wednesday’s game against the 76ers and remains close to several team mates and the city four years later.
“That is my family,” Morris explained. “I had a terrific time in Boston for a couple of years. excellent experience, excellent fans, and a fantastic fanbase. But I’m talking about the 76ers right now.”
It will be a watershed moment for the 34-year-old Morris, who will begin a contract season worth $17.1 million. Last season, he averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the Clippers, but his late-season benching has many wondering how much he has left in the tank.
Morris has only been in two games for the 76ers in his first two weeks with the team, but that could change soon, according coach Nick Nurse.
“I definitely want to see him,” Nurse told reporters last week. “I still believe he has a spot in the rotation.” Isn’t he the person who has played the least? So it’s a bit difficult with him, so I’m just waiting for my opportunity here to give him a chance to see how he looks out there.”
Morris’ ability to make an impact in the rotation with Batum and Covington ahead of him remains to be seen, but Kelly Oubre Jr.’s injury may provide some opportunities. Morris, in any case, is excited to perform in front of his hometown.
“It’s amazing,” Morris exclaimed. “I’m just happy to be home, happy to be able to put on a 76ers jersey for the first time in my career.” It’s thrilling.
