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Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart Ejected for Fight and More Takeaways from Loss to Cleveland Cavaliers

By Thomas King

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on September 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on September 30, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Marcus Morris attacks the hoop.
Boston Celtics forward Marcus Morris knows he will not be relied on to create as much offense himself this season.(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marcus Morris Adjusting Well to New Role

After last season came to a close, Marcus Morris openly questioned what his role would be on the team going forward with Irving and Hayward returning. With a summer to train and consider his place on the depth chart, it appears Morris has come to terms with and embraced his changing role.

Last season, Morris was relied on for his toughness, versatile defense, and individual scoring punch off the bench. The Celtics had a strong bench, but they had few players who could realistically create their own offense. Morris was perfectly-suited to take advantage of second-unit defenses with his aggressive one-on-one offense.

This season, with the return of Irving and Hayward, and the internal development of Brown and Tatum, Boston has plenty of shot creators to keep a couple on the floor at all times. With this in mind, Morris worked hard on his catch-and-shoot three-pointers in the offseason, knowing he will be playing off others more often.

Per NBC Sports Boston, Morris said:

"“I worked extremely hard on my body this summer to come in in great shape,” Morris said… “They can’t defend me,” he said. “Second-unit guys, they can’t defend me. It is what it is.  I’m not being cocky about it. I just feel like I work too hard for guys to come off the bench because I feel like I’m a starter. That’s how I look at it, that’s how I feel. Circumstances of this team, we have a very talented team. I’m happy where I’m at.”"

Morris’ hard work has shone throughout the preseason; he has made 41.7 percent (10-for-24) of his three-pointers, most of which have been of the catch-and-shoot variety. Morris looks like he’s either sped up his release, or is no longer hesitating when he has open look from distance.

On the other hand, Morris has also been effective in the post and taking advantage of switches by smaller defenders, something that will be very important for the Celtics like-sized roster. In about 20 minutes per game, Morris averaged 13.4 points and 4 rebounds per game during the preseason.

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