CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – As the Celtics began to file out of the cramped visitor’s locker room at the Dean Dome on Friday night, the tight quarters in many ways reflected the state of the playing time among the players on the roster this season – lots of talent with very little room to breathe or move about.
Success will require players to mesh efficient play with elite toughness wrapped around a selfless mindset, the kind of trifecta that’s much easier to explain than execute.
The blending of those three diametrically different aspects of the game is at the heart of Marcus Morris’ approach to this season, which got off to a solid start in the preseason opener against Charlotte.
- MORE MORRIS - He blasts back on Twitter at Cavs' Tristan Thompson
Boston played its main rotation players in the first half, which is when they led by as many as 20. The Celtics went really deep into their bench for most of the second half, which paved the way for Charlotte’s 104-97 comeback win.
Morris came off the bench and finished with 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting while logging 17 minutes, seemingly getting whatever shots he wanted. His second unit partner in crime, Terry Rozier, had 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting in 19 minutes.
“We’re going out there, playing the best we can,” Morris told NBC Sports Boston. “But at the same time, he’s [Rozier] a starting point guard in this league. I feel like I’m a starting 3 [small forward] or 4 [power forward] in this league. Nobody can do nothing with us. It’s going to be a long, long season for opposing second units.”
But it remains to be seen how Boston’s uniquely deep roster will impact Morris when it comes to playing time.
- MORE CELTICS - No rust in Kyrie's return to the court
Morris is a proven veteran who has displayed the kind of all-over-the-map versatility that is one of the many strengths of this team.
However, that talent may not be rewarded with significant playing time this season. In fact, Morris might be called upon to play fewer minutes than the 26.8 he averaged last season, a reality that the 6-foot-9 forward has braced himself for.
But as we’ve gotten to know Morris more, the dude is a feisty, gritty fighter who doesn’t go down or away quietly.
He is one of the under-the-radar leaders on this team, a role that the eighth-year vet embraces as he leads both with his words and actions.
“I worked extremely hard on my body this summer to come in in great shape,” Morris said.
That not only bodes well for the Celtics this season, but also for Morris as he enters free agency next summer on the cusp of a season where his role in terms of minutes played, is unclear.
“I know we have our starters,” he said. “I’ve been around this league for a while. But at the same time, when I get an opportunity, I'm gonna seize it.”
And he believes those opportunities will come this season for one reason.
“They can’t defend me,” he said. “Second-unit guys, they can’t defend me. It is what it is. I’m not being cocky about it. I just feel like I work too hard for guys to come off the bench because I feel like I’m a starter. That’s how I look at it, that’s how I feel. Circumstances of this team, we have a very talented team. I’m happy where I’m at.”
Morris acknowledges being in a contract year with playing time far from certain, is not ideal. Still, he’s confident that all will work out in his favor and the Celtics, this season.
“No doubt,” he said. “I’ve been around the league for a little bit now. It’s my eighth season. Everybody kind of knows what I bring to the table, and that’s being a great teammate and playing the cards I’m dealt. That’s going to show more, than me trying to get stats and trying to get paid. If you’re on a winning team and I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, that’s more valuable than getting out there jacking up shots trying to get numbers.”
NBC SPORTS BOSTON SCHEDULE