2014 NBA Free Agency: The Case for Anthony Morrow
By Curt Jenkins
It’s no secret that the Sixers need help scoring the basketball, as last season it was down right awful at times watching the team struggle to score. The 76ers led the league in pace, which means they had the fastest scoring pace and amount of possessions per game. Outside of rookie Hollis Thompson last season — who shot 44 percent from downtown — the Sixers had very little success shooting from deep or shooting period. Out of all 30 teams, the Sixers were ranked 19th of 30 teams in scoring at 99.0 points per game. With NBA free agency in full effect and player bidding wars brewing left and right the Sixers should still be in full court press when trying to bring in talented players while still addressing team needs.
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Anthony Morrow is quietly of the NBA’s hottest three-point shooters and has yet to find a team. In seven NBA seasons he has played for his fair share of teams around the league and his first and primary role has always been a three-point marksman. In his rookie season with Golden State, Morrow shot a career-best 47 percent from beyond the arc in 67 games. Morrow is shooting 43 percent from three for his career and shot 45 percent from deep last season alone. A player that is a sharpshooter is really what this team needs and has been lacking since the distant days of Kyle Korver. Morrow is easily a top choice on any teams radar that is looking for a player that can be a catch and shoot type of player. The Sixers have a hole at the shooting guard position and Morrow has spent time at shooting guard as well the small forward position.
Feb 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Anthony Morrow (3) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
On the contrary to his shooting, when you watch tape of Morrow he has a legitimate issue not being able to stay focused on the defensive side of the ball. At times, it is almost as if he is not interested in being a defender. Actually when you take a look at the numbers, Morrow averages more turnovers (0.9) than steals (0.6) and blocks (0.2). If there is one thing we have noticed about Sam Hinkie, it is that he loves long versatile players who play it hard on both sides of the ball. Morrow’s ability as a player live and die with his hot shooting hand but outside of that, he doesn’t offer much other upside.
The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket has seen other players who are known for their great shooting ability get a nice paycheck. Jodie Meeks was rewarded for his abilities with a three-year deal from the Detroit Pistons. Morrow probably will not receive the big or tantalizing offer from Sam Hinkie but if he is willing to come at a low price and help a young team who flat-out needs a shooter.
Morrow has always been known as a deep shooting threat and will not be on the free agent market much longer. If Sam Hinkie wants a player that can come in and shoot the light out from day one than Morrow should have been signed like yesterday! Will Hinkie pull the trigger on Morrow is a question that should be answered sooner rather than later.
Until then, I leave the question for you to answer, would you bring in Anthony Morrow for the Sixers?