Boston Celtics: Can Marcus Morris Adjust to a New Role This Season?

2) Pass to the open man

Marcus Morris is what basketball players affectionately call a ‘bucket-getter’. When the ball winds up in his hands, everybody on both teams know his first, second, and third instincts are to find a way to score.

This is not really a knock on Morris; he’s got a knack for scoring and succeeds at a relatively high rate given his high usage and relative shot difficulty. Still, with so many many great shooters and talented scorers on the roster, everybody has to redefine what constitutes a good shot for them.

On a team that doesn’t have many great scoring options, a Morris post-isolation could be a good decision a lot of times. But this season, with efficient choices all over the floor, Boston possessions that end like the Morris shot below will be considered missed opportunities.

Morris may not be known for his court vision or passing skills, but he cannot be a ball-stopper on offense this season like he has often been in the past if the Celtics are going to reach their full potential. Instead of sizing up the situation like he’s tended to in the past, Morris will have to develop the habit of deciding to shoot, drive, or pass within a half-second of catching the ball.

The former Kansas Jayhawk brings unique and important defensive versatility and switchability that impacts his team in a positive way.  In order for Boston to fully benefit from Morris’ defensive impact, he has to willingly embrace more of a supporting role on offense.