Marcus Morris Understands His Role With Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers will rely on Marcus Morris to be a veteran leader in the final stretch of the regular season.

The playoffs are quickly approaching. There's just over a month left in the regular season and the Cleveland Cavaliers are doing their best to not limp to the finish line. This team has been decimated by injuries since the All-Star break, but they're finally getting some reinforcements.

Marcus Morris Sr. signed a 10-day contract with the wine and gold on Monday afternoon and made his debut with Cleveland against the Indiana Pacers. The 12-year vet knows what his role is and is ready to help lead this team through the final regular season push and beyond. 

"Coming in and being a veteran," said Morris ahead of his Cavalier debut. "Just being myself. I'm a natural leader ... Getting ready for this run. I've been in the playoffs a bunch of times in my career. [We have] a lot of young guys. So, just being around. Just helping, hearing my voice, and also performing on the court."

Out of all the free agents that were available via the buyout market, Morris was the best fit for this team. The Cavs pride themselves on playing tough defense and creating offensive opportunities from that. 

Nov 2, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Morris is not the defender he was when he was in his prime, but he still has a respectable defensive rating of 117 in 37 games this season. He's shooting 40% from behind the arc which will help the Cavs with their floor spacing.

This one signing won't single-handedly make up for the injuries to Donovan Mithcell, Max Sturs, and Evan Mobley. But having a proven player as an option on the bench is something Cleveland desperately needed.