Markieff Morris just isn't one to lack for confidence. So even earlier than beginning energy ahead P.J. Tucker went down with the calf pressure that might jeopardize his availability for the beginning of the NBA playoffs, Morris noticed a logical place for himself within the Miami Warmth postseason rotation.
“I do know I'll play within the playoffs,” Morris stated forward of Friday evening’s sport towards the Atlanta Hawks at FTX Area, the Warmth’s regular-season house finale.
Whether or not Tucker can be obtainable for the Warmth’s April 17 playoff opener stays unsure. In any other case, the Warmth’s Plan B choices within the void of Tucker logically both can be Morris or Caleb Martin.
Morris stated his method is to prepare now so he can be prepared for his postseason second.
“Yeah, man. I imply my sport speaks for itself,” the Eleventh-year veteran informed the Solar Sentinel. “Getting ready for the playoffs, I would like these final two video games, truthfully, anyway. So it’s like sort of a present and curse with Tuck taking place.
“However for me, I have to get these final two video games below my belt and I’ll simply go into the playoffs with some momentum.”
Morris, who's coping with a strained hip flexor that stored him out of Tuesday evening’s victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets, began in Sunday evening’s street victory over the Toronto Raptors when Tucker ostensibly was given the evening off for relaxation.
However on the subject of the postseason, coach Erik Spoelstra stated components of his rotation may very well be matchup primarily based. And if smallball is the opposition method, that might favor Martin.
Morris appreciates that after lacking 58 video games as a result of whiplash that resulted from his Nov. 8 run-in with Denver Nuggets middle Nikola Jokic, the alternatives to state his case this season have been restricted.
“It's what it's,” stated Morris, who's finishing a one-year contract on the veteran minimal and can return to free company on July 1. “You understand, I missed 50-something video games. No matter’s thrown my manner now I can deal with.”
Two seasons in the past, Morris was a part of the playoff rotation for the Los Angeles Lakers on their technique to their 2020 championship, together with towards the Warmth in these NBA Finals. This can be his six go to to the playoffs, with 49 postseason appearances with three groups (Lakers, Washington Wizards and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder). Martin, in contrast, has but to seem within the playoffs in his three seasons, the earlier two with the Charlotte Hornets. Martin additionally will enter free company this summer season.
“Verify my observe file. Verify my observe file,” Morris stated of his capability to contribute within the playoffs. “I don’t have to talk on that. That’s all on the file. I don’t must say nothing about that.”
The irony is that the decision now may very well be to fill in for Tucker, with the 2 shut for the reason that begins of their NBA careers with the Phoenix Suns.
“We grew collectively,” Tucker stated. “It was me getting again within the league, him initially getting within the league. He’s considered one of my closest brothers via time once we performed in Phoenix ‘til now. So we have been positively excited to get again collectively.
“Nevertheless it’s so good to get again on the court docket and get our work again collectively, particularly preparing for the playoffs. As a result of we’re going to wish him and what he brings to the group.”
Tucker stated he has religion that Morris can be there when wanted, as a lot, if no more, as an individual than a participant.
“We’re not NBA guys, that’s my brother. It’s totally different,” Tucker stated. “Like we speak on a regular basis, present occasions, speak about one another’s youngsters. So it’s like household. It’s totally different.”
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