NBA Draft Preview (Part 7)

   We are finally only two days away from the 2011 NBA Draft. Being a die-hard Kansas Jayhawk fan, I have to preview at least one of the three former Jayhawks who entered this year's draft, so it is time to preview Marcus Morris.
   Morris is a 6'8, 230lb forward from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played at Kansas for three years and was apart of the 2007-2008 team that won the NCAA Championship over Memphis. Morris was named the 2010-2011 Big 12 Player of the Year and was voted as a Second Team All-American by both the Associated Press and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds. Morris is said to be one of the best forwards in this draft class.
   Strengths: Morris is a big man with an all-around game. Not only is he a great post player who uses many moves to get to the basket, Morris is a solid perimeter player who has a nice jumper. He also has a good low post fade-a-way. What makes Morris more deadly is that when he does catch the ball outside of the paint, he has an explosive first step which allows him to beat defenders and attack the whole, that is really nice to have for a big man. He can pop a three if needed with his consistent long-range jumper. He works very hard for rebounds and does not give up. Morris also puts a lot of effort into his defensive game and is a very tough low post defender. Morris is an extremely hard worker when it comes to the game.
  Weakness: Very inconsistent free throw shooter, the player you want to foul late in the game to put on the line because it is highly unlikely that he will make two free throws in a row. Considered to be a player who cannot get much better or improve his game.
Overall Conclusion: Morris is an offensive threat both in the paint and as an outside shooter. What makes him more appealing to NBA teams is that he has a quick first step when facing the basket which allows him to drive for dunks and layups. However, needs to improve his free throw shooting to make him a complete offensive weapon.
Marcus Morris Will go?? I think Marcus Morris would be a great fit for the Milwaukee Bucks at #8. The Bucks lack depth at the forward position, so adding a player who can contribute inside the paint and as an outside shooter would be a big help for team that depends on the performances of Brandon Jennings.