Nick Nurse Sends Major Praise to Former Sixers Forward

Nick Nurse remains a fan of former Philadelphia 76ers forward, Marcus Morris.

Mar 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse reacts to a / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday night, the Philadelphia 76ers went head-to-head against a couple of familiar faces.

Taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers for the fourth and final time this season, the Sixers took on Georges Niang once again. However, it was the first time Philadelphia faced Marcus Morris this season, as the veteran recently joined the Eastern Conference contender.

A couple of weeks ago, Morris joined the Cavaliers on a ten-day deal. After getting a quick opportunity to showcase his skillset once again, the Cavaliers liked what Morris brought to the table.

Therefore, the veteran signed a second contract with Cleveland, the team announced on Friday. Morris is now on board with the Cavs for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season.

Before the Sixers and the Cavs battled it out on Friday night, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse shared his thoughts on Morris. Considering the veteran forward was quite productive during his time on the Sixers, it came no surprise that Nurse had nothing but praise for the Philly native.

“I miss him,” Nurse told reporters, according to Lauren Rosen. “I’ve always really liked him. He brings a level of toughness that I love. He’s a very capable player on both ends, with some size and a lot of physicality.”

After joining the Sixers via trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, Morris appeared in 37 games. During his first and only stretch in Philadelphia, Morris hit on 40 percent of his threes, while averaging seven point per game.

At the 2024 trade deadline, the Sixers moved Morris in a deal to land Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers. Morris ended up on the San Antonio Spurs in the deal, but he was waived quickly. After practicing patience on the open market, end even considering other situations, Morris made the Cavs his eighth team.

He now hopes to have a role on the young and thriving squad, as they gear up to embark on another playoff run.