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Pacers' Draft Possibilties: Markieff Morris

By Ian Levy Updated
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With the Draft Lottery complete, the Early Entry List set, and the NBA Draft fast approaching, it's time to examine more in depth some of the players who could be available for the Pacers. Over the next few weeks I'll be trying to put together as many profiles as possible. Instead of identifying players as specific targets for either Pacers' pick, I'm just going to cover a pool of players I think are possibilities. You'll find some players who the Pacers would likely have to trade up or down for. I've also expressed my opinion that the Pacers need to be focused on talent as much as fit so players at all five positions will be included.

These profiles are not intended to advocate for one player over another, just examine their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss in some detail what they have to offer. For each profile I provided Ten Important Statistics to guide the discussion. Today we'll be looking at:

Markieff Morris - PF - 6'9.25" 241 lbs. - University of Kansas

Ten Important Stats - Markieff Morris

Pts/40

Reb/40

Ast/40

Blk/40

2PT%

3PT%

FT%

FT/40

TO/40

USG%

24.4

13.0

2.2

1.8

62.5%

42.4%

67.3%

6.3

3.2

16.1

 

Current DraftExpress Projection: Round 1, Pick #16

Strengths:

  • Good size, strength and athleticism
  • Has become a consistent outside shooter, continues to be a terrific finisher around the rim
  • Solid rebounder and defender
  • Plays with intensity and aggressiveness

Weaknesses:

  • Doesn't have an NBA-ready post game
  • Has a tendency to get into foul trouble, a by-product of his physical play
  • Doesn't always make good decisions with the ball, can be turnover prone

Impressions:

While Markieff Morris may not have a tremendous feel for the game or superstar potential, he has all the tools and versatility to enjoy a long NBA career and be a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. Considering his steady ascension over the course of his three year college career, he could clearly continue to improve if given the minutes necessary to feel out his game in the NBA. With a number of highly touted power forward prospects electing to return to school, the recently declared Morris will surely look even more attractive on draft day.
 
- Matt Kamalsky, DraftExpress.com

A poor man's Marcus Morris.

- Tom Ziller, SBNation.com

Comparables:

How he can help the Pacers:

If the Pacers are looking to make an upgrade to their power forward rotation, Markieff Morris could be a great addition. Morris has the potential to be a very solid rebounder and defender, and would likely be an improvement in both areas over Tyler Hansbrough or Josh McRoberts (should he return). With his spot-up shooting and ability to finish around the rim he could contribue right away in a complimentary role on offense as well. Morris may not have the upside or all-around potential of some of the other available players. However, he does a few things well, things which the Pacers' happen to need.

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