The Brooklyn Nets seemingly spent the whole summer trying to make sure that their star players did not leave the roster. At one point in time, both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were expected to leave the Nets and take their talents elsewhere.
Fortunately, the situation was controlled by the organization, and the duo stayed. The next step for them is to form an incredible Big 3 alongside Ben Simmons and lead the Nets to an NBA Championship.
But a team needs more than just star players to win it all in the NBA. They need tough players who can assume leadership roles for a team when required. Keeping that in mind, the Nets signed veteran Markieff Morris to a one-year deal to fill that role.
After joining the team, Morris didn’t take long to share his honest thoughts on what the Nets were missing last season.
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“Honestly, when I looked at the team here last year, I didn’t think the pieces fit great. I didn’t think they had the nucleus of who’s gonna be the leader, who’s gonna be the guy to bring everyone together. I’ve been through that. I’ve been on teams with a lot of great players, so it’s nothing to me.”
Kieff hopes to play the role of the leader for the Nets, but it will not be easy for him since the team has three All-Star level players on the roster.
Markieff Morris Is Certain He Is A Tough Guy
Being a leader is more than just being vocal. Morris was part of the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers, which won the NBA Championship, so he clearly has playoff experience under his belt.
But the biggest thing that the 33-year-old takes pride in is his tough personality. He made it very clear during the NBA media day press conference. He explained that toughness was shaped by Philly.
Markieff Morris would like to make sure the record reads clearly – he's a tough guy. pic.twitter.com/rdwUWUa8uR
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) September 26, 2022
“Kind of a tough guy? Philly. It’s where I’m from. I always had that chip on my shoulder. It’s just my nature man. I was just telling the guys off the court I’m two totally different people, but on the court once it’s time, it’s time.”
To be honest, the Nets are in need of a player like Markieff Morris. Kevin Durant urged the Nets to learn from the 2022 NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, and how they take a gritty approach when it matters the most.
Adding a veteran like Morris is certainly a step in the right direction. That will help the franchise as the season progresses, and when players are in need of a morale boost, they will know they can rely on Morris to do so.
