The Phoenix Suns have selected former Kansas forward Markieff Morris with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Markieff is the first of the Morris twins to be selected with brother Marcus still on the board (who went 14th to the Houston Rockets).
At 6'9" 241 pounds, the 21-year-old Morris averaged 13.6 points a game while shooting 58.9% from the field at Kansas. He also pulled down 8.3 boards a game.
The Suns are a team in transition after a 40-42 season that placed them 10th in the Western Conference. Morris should help provide a physical presence for the Suns who clearly missed Amar'e Stoudemire last year.
Markieff can the shoot the ball so that likely factored into the offensive-minded Suns who are expected to keep Steve Nash for the final year of his contract.
Originally Marcus was projected to go higher, but the Suns went with Markieff who may be more willing to play in the paint than his sibling.
For an enlightening study of both Morris Twins, HOOPSWORLD's Susan Bible wrote Morris Twins Prepare to Separate back in May.
Markieff is probably more of an NBA four than his brother who may be able to play three as well.
The Suns have an assortment of power players in Marcin Gortat, Channing Frye, Hakim Warrick, Robin Lopez, Gani Lawal and Garret Siler.
Gortat is a physical player, but Frye is far more comfortable on the perimeter. It remains to be seen if Lawai and Siler develop into regular contributors. Warrick has his moments but Lopez really struggled this past year.
Morris may be able to carve out a role in the rotation even as a rookie.
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