Phoenix Suns

Markieff Morris remaining professional during ongoing benching

Published Dec. 18, 2015 11:38 a.m. ET

foxsports

Markieff Morris hasn't received any playing time over the last four games, and that's not something that seems like it's going to change anytime soon.

Morris is shooting a career-low percentage from the field, and Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek believes the team is better off at the moment without Morris in the lineup in any capacity.

As trade rumors swirl, Morris is doing his best to remain professional throughout the situation.

Via Paul Coro of AZCentral.com:

Morris went off the rails publicly during the offseason, when the Suns traded his brother Marcus unexpectedly. He trashed the organization and demanded a trade himself, but once training camp began, all of the nonsense stopped.

Morris may see the writing on the wall, and likely knows that he needs to be on his best behavior if he wants to play somewhere else.

Morris played all 109 games in three seasons at Kansas and only missed two pro games during a rookie-year benching and a third-year suspension in his first four Suns seasons. Then injury and illness absences preceded a run of benchings.

“Maybe middle school,” Morris said, trying to recall a time that he did not regularly play for his team. “But my brother went through it (in Houston). It ain’t too hard. I just have got to stay sharp for when my time is called.”