Wiz of Awes
Fansided

The importance of Markieff Morris as he returns to full strength for the Wizards

By Donnell Coley

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Markieff Morris #5 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards talk during a free throw shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Verizon Center on February 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Markieff Morris #5 and John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards talk during a free throw shot against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Verizon Center on February 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 31: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks on January 31, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 31: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks on January 31, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards are happy to finally have a healthy Markieff Morris in the lineup. Here’s what it means for the rest of the season.

Washington Wizards veteran forward Markieff Morris missed the first seven games of the season. When he returned, he was a step behind. His jumper was flat. Guards were outrebounding him. Not helping matters, his back up Mike Scott was playing lights out.

The rumblings from Wizards watchers about lessening his role in favor of the ascending Scott were becoming louder.

Well, it’s a new year and apparently that means a new “Keef”. In 2018, he’s averaging a double-double (12.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game). Granted, the Wizards have only had three games this year, but the eight-year forward looks to be regaining his strength and confidence.

Keef has had an up-and-down season to this point. He showed flashes of his scoring prowess, scoring a season-high 23 points against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 1. But those type of scoring outputs have been few and far in between, despite being the team’s third-leading scorer the previous season.

Currently, he’s posting just over 10 points per game, good enough for fifth on the team.

His rebounding numbers have been arguably more disappointing. Pulling down just 5.5 boards per contest, and he hasn’t posted double-digit rebounds in a game until the Dec. 31 matchup against the Bulls.

Since the Bulls game, Keef has displayed more consistency. Grabbing 10 or more rebounds in every contest and three straight double-doubles, resulting in three Wizards victories. He also had a career-high 17 rebounds in a tough road win against the Grizzlies.

The power forward has definitely been more engaged on both ends of the floor. This momentum-swinging play in the Grizzlies game exemplifies as much.

All-star point guard John Wall welcomes a healthy Morris, and the team’s confidence continues to soar as a result. “I think just everybody is getting healthy… me, Keef getting healthy,” Wall told the Washington Post in January.

The team is trusting Keef again in every aspect of the game. He’s getting more plays called for him, involved in more screen actions and is being asked to take on tough defensive assignments.

In Washington’s latest game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Morris was given the unenviable challenge of guarding the second-best scorer in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Though it’s debatable as to how close to 100 percent he really is, Morris’ effort level has clearly increased. He’s no longer a step behind. His jumper is less flat and guards are no longer outrebounding him.

This encouraging play is just in time as the team sits fourth in the Eastern Conference and tries to make a push towards conference supremacy.

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