Marcus Morris Sr.

Marcus Morris Sr.'s Biography

Marcus Thomas Morris Sr., born on September 2, 1989, is a celebrated American professional basketball player who has played for multiple teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Having risen from the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to playing in the most recognized professional basketball association explains his illustrious career marked by talent, hard work, strong will, and determination.

Morris was born to Thomasine “Angel” Morris, who bore him alongside his twin brother Markieff and three other brothers, Donte, Blake, and David. The Philly native readily stood out as a promising talent on the court due to his basketball prowess. He was considered a respected four-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked 10th as a power forward and 29th overall player in the nation in 2008.

His journey into professional basketball began at the University of Kansas, where he pursued a major in American studies. Known for his proficient skills and impressive performances, he earned numerous accolades including the 2010–11 Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year and recognition in both the Associated Press and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The culmination of his college career saw him finish as a third team All-America by Fox Sports and a member of the 10-member John R. Wooden Award Men’s All American team. He subsequently made the crucial decision to enter the 2011 NBA draft alongside his brother Markieff.

Morris was drafted 14th overall by the Houston Rockets just five minutes after his brother Markieff was taken by the Phoenix Suns. Although he started in the NBA Development League and played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Morris displayed immense potential that quickly earned him a return to the Rockets. He served his team well, stepping in to fill the gap left by an injured Patrick Patterson and improving his three-point shot from 12% to 38%.

In the course of his NBA career, Morris played for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024. His spell with the Suns was marked by memorable moments, including the team’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks and playing alongside his brother Markieff for the first time professionally. However, his time with the Suns also witnessed incidents of misdemeanors, including berating coach Jeff Hornacek on national TV after receiving a technical foul.

Taking it all in stride, Morris put up an impressive performance recording his first career double-double with career highs of 34 points and 12 rebounds – a remarkable achievement that cemented his status as one of the NBA’s rising stars.

Gaining recognition and thriving in the league, Morris also experienced being traded multiple times. After his stint with the Suns, Morris was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2015 and later onto the Boston Celtics in 2017, New York Knicks in 2019, Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, San Antonio Spurs in 2024, and finally landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Outside his career in the NBA, Morris is the proud father of a son, Marcus Jr., born on July 20, 2018, with his girlfriend, Amber Soulds. A devoted father and boyfriend, Morris also uses his platform and influence to give back to the community. He and his a brother, Markieff, co-founded the Family Over Everything Foundation, aimed at assisting members of under-served communities in Philadelphia and other cities.

In spite of his on and off-court challenges, Marcus Morris Sr. remains a respected professional basketball player who has made a name for himself through his dedication, talent, and commitment to the sport. His journey serves as a testament of hard work, resilience, and personal growth.