NBA Draft Profiles: Markieff Morris, Kansas

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Stats: 13.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 1.4 apg

Age: 21, junior

Size:

• Listed: 6'10", 240 lb
• Official: 6'7.75" (no shoes), 6'9.25" (with shoes), 6'10.75" (wingspan), 8'10.5" (reach), 241 lb

Strengths: Unlike most NBA Draft prospects, Markieff's strengths are not going to be found on the offensive side of the ball. What's most intriguing about him as a prospect is the blue-collar attitude he plays with. He is a tough and physical defensive player, and while he does not have the ideal length or quickness for an NBA power forward, he does play with a chip on his shoulder. It may be a cliched term, but defense is a mentality, and Markieff makes it personal when he is trying to stop a player one-on-one. He's also a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, again the result of his physicality in the paint. The reason that Markieff is in the conversation as a potential lottery pick this season is the way that his offensive arsenal has developed this season. He's become a more consistent and dangerous shooter from the perimeter, has shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor and beat a slower defender, and is a good finisher around the rim.

Weaknesses: Right now, Markieff's biggest weakness is probably his post game. As a back-to-the-basket threat, he was almost non-existent this past season. Some of that probably has to do with the fact that his brother and Thomas Robinson got the majority of the touches, but people did notice that Markieff's post finishes generally consisted of sealing his man high and finishing a pass thrown over the top of the defender. Given that he is a bit undersized for the power forward spot and as average vertical explosiveness, Markieff may never be a threat to score on the block. There are some other question marks as well. He needs to improve his ability to handle and protect the ball. He turned the ball over 2.1 times per game last season, which is very high for a forward that only played 24 mpg. And if he is truly going to be a pick-and-pop threat down the road, he could stand to become more adept at handling the ball, making him a threat in close out situations.

Comparisons:

• Best Case Scenario: Marresse Speights. Similar build, frame, game, and overall type player, except Markieff can step out a little further than Speights. Both play physical and protect the paint pretty well with their length and athleticism, and while they aren’t flashy or super impressive, they are solid. This may be a stretch, but I also like the a comparison with Charles Oakley.


• Worst Case Scenario: Rich man’s Chris Richard. Richard has talent and there’s a reason he was drafted, but he just didn’t quite live up to NBA expectations for a big. Markieff will indefinitely make it in the league, but if he doesn’t, think of him as a notch above what Richard could have been in the league with his post play and D.

Outlook: Markieff doesn't have a great upside. He doesn't have the kind of size, length, or explosiveness that you tend to see in big man that are projected to go in the lottery. What makes him an attractive prospect is that you can count on him to be physical in the paint, rebound the ball, and defend. He's a blue collar player that isn't going to back down from anyone at the next level. Throw in the fact that he is able to step out and hit a jumper on the perimeter, and there is probably a role for Markieff at the next level. Another attractive part aspect of Markieff's game is that he has clearly shown the willingness to play a role if it benefits his team. He played a complimentary role to his brother at Kansas, and shouldn't have a problem doing the same at the next level.

Draft Range: Late Lottery to Mid 1st Round

And the experts say...

• Chad Ford: "Markieff has lived in the shadow of his brother, Marcus, for the first two years at KU. No more. Markieff was always known as the better defender -- a taller, slightly more explosive version of his brother. But this year he found his offensive rhythm as well. He actually posted a higher PER rating than Marcus, shot a pretty incredibly 42 percent from three and, at times, looked like the more surefire NBA prospect thanks to his size advantage. Markieff is a likely mid first-round pick this year. "


• Draft Express: "While Markieff Morris may not have a tremendous feel for the game or superstar potential, he has all the tools and versatility to enjoy a long NBA career and be a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. Considering his steady ascension over the course of his three year college career, he could clearly continue to improve if given the minutes necessary to feel out his game in the NBA. With a number of highly touted power forward prospects electing to return to school, the recently declared Morris will surely look even more attractive on draft day."


• Swish Scout: "Mobile post player with a great motor, rebounding ability, and defensive tenacity that will make him a great hustle player in the paint. Markieff is way too passive offensively and needs more work on his post moves, but ultimately a big man who will bring energy off the bench for a team."

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