The Indiana Pacers have signed guard Ish Smith to a one-year contract. They’re simply trying to fortify their backcourt as they announced this past week the loss of star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the rest of the season. Haliburton is currently out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, exacerbating a key absence in that area of the team’s depth. Once again, Morris is moving up to fill that void as he enters his ninth season in the NBA.
At 30 years old, Morris represents the oldest player on the Pacers’ roster by a margin of about four years. Over the course of his career, he struck out on three American League teams. These have been the Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and most recently, the Phoenix Suns. During his 45 game rookie season, he averaged 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He accomplished all this on a one-year $2.8 million contract with the Suns.
The Pacers’ decision to acquire Morris reflects their commitment to maintaining competitive play despite Haliburton’s injury setback. His versatile skill set should range out the team’s backcourt options as they seek to emerge from the looming shadows of adversity. With Haliburton out of the lineup, the pressure mounts for other guards to step up and fill the scoring void left by their leading playmaker.
Morris’s experience with various teams in the league provides him with unique insights and adaptability that could be beneficial to the Pacers’ young roster. His ability to make plays on offense and defense is extremely important. Indiana will need to count on him to help keep them competitive in the deep, difficult Eastern Conference.
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