Markieff Morris
At a glance: 6-10, 245 pounds, 24 years old
2012-13 stats: 22.4 minutes, 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds
How he got here: Drafted No. 13 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft
What he brings to the table: A banger's ability on defense along with deep range on offense. Morris caught opposing teams off-guard with the latter asset in his rookie year, but defensive adjustments have forced him to refine his game in turn. He showed a lot of progress in the NBA Summer League, where he was the de facto starting center and took on the brunt of duties in the paint. Should Morris earn more minutes, don't be surprised to see the stat sheet stuffed (0.8 blocks, 0.9 steals per game last season in just 22 minutes per game).
Goal: Improve offensive efficiency (career 40.4 percent field goal shooting)
Best game as a pro: April 15, 2013 vs. Houston. Morris capped off a late-season surge with an incredible stat line: 20 points, seven rebounds, six blocks and five steals. He went 8-of-15 from the field, including an efficient 2-of-3 from three-point range. The game was his fifth consecutive double-digit scoring performance, the longest such streak of his career.
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