Marcus Morris chooses the New York Knicks over everyone else
The New York Knicks are beginning to look a lot more desirable to free agents regardless of missing out on the top marquee names.
The sports media world was all over the New York Knicks front office for failing to sign marquee free agents Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. In the days after the team led by president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry has made some interesting acquisitions helping to raise the franchise’s overall profile.
The Knicks were able to work out an odd situation regarding Reggie Bullock‘s contract to free up money to reportedly sign forward Marcus Morris to a one-year deal. The exciting aspect of Morris’ agreement is that he passed on a two-year deal with the always playoff-bound San Antonio Spurs. A rare scenario that a veteran NBA player would turn down Greg Popovich and his many accolades to join a team that only managed to win 17 games last season.
Morris is a very consistent player whether he’s starting or coming off the bench averaging just over 13 points per game the last two season with the Boston Celtics. The Knicks do walk away from this situation looking good publicly but will have plenty of work to do internally to figure out a roster structure. New York has already signed Julius Randle, Taj Gibson and Bobby Portis all of which play the same power forward position as Morris.
The Knicks are now filled with a roster of seemingly head coach David Fizdale’s type of players he generally prefers since taking the job last year. Fizdale was very vocal during his introductory conversations with media about wanting tough-minded players that can play multiple positions
"“Long and tough. But he’s gotta have an edge to him. I don’t want soft guys here. I don’t want cupcakes,” he said. “I want guys that have an edge to them, that enjoy defending. That get joy out of locking teams down.”"
The Knicks are continuing to fly under the radar with their signings but the addition of Morris, a veteran player that could have joined a team expected to contend for a title this season speaks volumes. The franchise image is still a growing process, but the collection of Mills, Perry, and Fizdale needs to prove this team of young talent and unappreciated potential will need to produce more wins on the court.
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Knicks games in 2019-20 will feel almost like a reality show of who will be around all season and will play power forward.