NBA Analyst Urges Cavaliers To Re-Sign Marcus Morris: ‘A Needed Spark Off The Bench’

One NBA analyst has urged the Cleveland Cavaliers to re-sign Marcus Morris. 

Tyler Watts of King James Gospel thinks Morris would be a “needed spark off the bench” for the Cavaliers. 

“Cleveland desperately needs a combo forward capable of providing some size, floor spacing, and defense to their lineups,” Watts wrote. “The Cavaliers will likely only have minimum contracts to offer, and Morris Sr. is the best available free agent. Things were not always harmonious during the veteran’s short stay in Cleveland, but the two sides appear destined for a reunion. Morris Sr. gives the Cavaliers a needed spark off the bench, and the franchise gets a rotation player for the minimum.

“Fans should not expect too much from Morris Sr. on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will likely play 15 to 20 minutes per game and be inconsistent. The 34-year-old is a no-brainer signing. The Cavs hope Kenny Atkinson can lead the franchise back to the top, but the head coach needs a talented roster. It is on the front office to deliver and signing Morris is a strong start.”

Morris is an unrestricted NBA free agent. He played 12 games for the Cavaliers last season. 

Morris played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Cavaliers last season. He finished the campaign with averages of 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 43.9% from the field, 40.3% from beyond the arc and 81.8% from the free-throw line. 

In 12 games with the Cavaliers, Morris averaged 5.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.2 steals and 0.2 blocks while shooting 44.1% overall, 41.4% from 3 and 62.5% from the foul line. 

The Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games. J.B. Bickerstaff was fired as head coach and replaced by Kenny Atkinson, who signed a five-year deal. 

Cleveland only has two new players on the roster: JT Thor and rookie Jaylon Tyson.