Vitals
Age: 21
NBA Experience: 1 Year
Contract Status: Free Agent
2011-12 Averages: 2.4 ppg, 1.1 apg, 8.9 mpg, 42% FG, 66% FT, 44% 3PT
We didn’t see much of Darius Morris during his first lap around the NBA. The L.A. native arrived as a second round pick out of Michigan and many felt he needed another year of seasoning in the NCAA. But that ship has sailed. Morris is now a paid professional learning the point guard position on a team void of any high quality point guards.
While his PT was limited as Morris played in just 19 games bouncing to and from the D-League one thing we do know is that he isn’t at all shy about his shot. In his first and only preseason action Morris put on a show jacking up shots, getting out in transition and attacking the rim. For a team needing all those qualities you’d think Morris would find more run for the Lake Show.
Of course like all rookie point guards consistency and steady decision making are something that comes and goes. So for the most part Morris was buried on Mike Brown’s bench seeing limited action in inconsequential games.
For whatever reason Morris chose to sign a one year deal that allowed the Lakers to make him a qualifying offer. That means there’s not even a team option. To say the least his future in purple and gold is up in the air. On the plus side he’s got great size for a combo guard, is an asset in transition and can help take up the slack in defending perimeter players. The problem is if Ramon Sessions comes back and Andrew Goudelock is retained then Morris will be back in the same battle for minutes and a role. But that’s the life of a second round pick. Everyday is just another chance to prove your worth.