The Phoenix Suns have dealt with quite a tumultuous situation since they decided to trade Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons this offseason. Morris’ twin brother Markieff was spurned with his twin being shipped elsewhere and has since demanded a trade, been fined by the league for airing his issues publicly, changed his mind, been benched for poor play, and was suspended on Christmas Eve for two games after throwing a towel at Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek.
My frustration got the best of me last night. It won't happen again. I apologize to Jeff. My teammates told me I hit coach with the towel.
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) December 24, 2015
In no way was that towel intended for him. I just want to help my team win so much. That's my focus moving forward. #Foe
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) December 24, 2015
I want to apologize to my teammates for not being there to battle with them during tough times… #beatthecavs #FOE
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) December 29, 2015
Now, if Morris wants to make amends with his coaches and teammates, he’ll have to apologize to the team, again, reports Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.
“Suns general manager Ryan McDonough has asked Morris to briefly meet with him, Hornacek and team president Lon Babby prior to Tuesday’s practice, the source said. Morris has been told he will be asked to apologize to his Suns coaches and teammates, make a renewed commitment to the team for games, practices, weight-training sessions and treatment sessions and attend all NBA and Suns community appearances, the source said.”
It’s been a messy situation for the Suns, who continue to fall apart with each passing day. Phoenix fired two assistants after becoming the second team this season to lose to the Philadelphia 76ers, falling 111-104 at home on Saturday. They followed that up with another losing effort, a 101-97 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday night in Morris’ second game of his suspension, bringing the team down to 12-21, the fourth-worst record in the West.
I want to apologize to my teammates for not being there to battle with them during tough times… #beatthecavs #FOE
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) December 29, 2015
Former Suns teammate, Marcin Gortat is in Morris’ corner.
@paulcoro @PaolaBoivin he not suppose to do "towel thing" ….clearly he's frustration ! U have no idea how it's to compete at this level.
— Marcin Gortat🇵🇱 (@MGortat) December 26, 2015
As seen above, Morris apologized to his teammates and his coach on Twitter following the towel-throwing incident, but the team wants him to apologize in person. Spears says Morris will do that, but he’s confused with the request considering he already apologized on social media.
The situation has played out for so long now, it may be best for Phoenix to cut their losses and trade Morris, even if it’s not for fair value. He’s becoming a huge distraction.
Markieff's trade value is to the point that other teams are asking an asset — Goodwin, for instance — in exchange for taking him.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 24, 2015
Morris is clearly unhappy with the Phoenix Suns, and vice versa, so hopefully this situation gets resolved. The sooner the better for all involved.
