Phoenix Suns

Markieff Morris 'good' with Suns despite early season struggles

Published Dec. 3, 2015 1:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

Markieff Morris was livid with the Suns when they traded his twin brother Marcus to the Pistons, publicly slamming the franchise while demanding a trade over the summer.

But once training camp began, Morris was nothing but a complete professional.

If he has any lingering resentment toward the team, it isn't showing in interactions with his coaches or his teammates, which have been nothing but positive. But his on-court production has dipped, which caused some to speculate that he was still internally troubled over the issue.

Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic:

Morris insists everything is fine mentally, so Suns fans will just have to hope that he returns to his previous levels of production once his health is no longer an issue.

Morris is missing shots much more than ever. He is shooting 39.6 percent from the field despite taking three more shots per 36 minutes over last season, when he shot 46.5 percent. With fewer minutes this season (25.9 per game), Morris’ scoring rate is similar to last season but his rebound rate is higher despite Tuesday’s one-rebound game. He had grabbed eight rebounds in four of the previous five games.

Morris downplayed any outside impression that he is not as engaged this season.

“I’ve got to be the same,” said Morris, who started a new four-year, $32 million contract this season. “Nothing different. I’m good where I’m at and just trying to move forward.”