“When He Speaks, People Listen:” Cavaliers Feeling Marcus Morris’ Impact

Cleveland Cavaliers: Marcus Morris is showing his value off the floor.

Mar 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) argue a call with referee Dedric Taylor (21) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Every team hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs needs a veteran leader who can contribute on the floor and lead by example. The Cleveland Cavaliers found that with Marcus Morris Sr. who the organization officially signed for the first of the season on Thursday.

Morris has been with the team for a week and a half and he’s still acclimating himself into their scheme, but Cleveland is already feeling the impact of having him around the team.

“He just brings a level of respect that there may be only five to 10 guys that carry in this league,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “There is a no-nonsense approach, a physicality that he’s allowed to play with, but then you match that with a skillset with his ability to create shots and put the ball in the basket.”

Morris has played in six games since signing his initial 10-day contract with the Cavaliers. He’s averaging 7.0 points, shooting 44% from behind the arc, and is grabbing 3.3 rebounds a game.

Mar 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and forward Marcus Morris Sr. (24) argue a call with referee Dedric Taylor (21) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

However, it’s not just Morris’ play on the floor that makes him an important piece to a potential Cleveland playoff run. Bickerstaff made sure to praise the 12-year veteran for his off-the-floor leadership too.

“When he speaks, because he’s a quiet person, people listen. We had conversations [on Thursday] and he spoke up and you could tell his teammates were embracing it and listening to what he had to say. That’s valuable for us as we continue to grow and fight through this and take the steps that we’re looking for.”

Morris seems like the component that Cleveland was missing during last season’s playoff loss to the New York Knicks. Hopefully, this time around he will help the Cavs win a playoff series and solidify themselves as Eastern Conference contenders.