New York Knicks: Marcus Morris is Part of The New Identity Plan

New York Knicks, Julius Randle, Marcus Morris
Sep 30, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Julius Randle (30) and power forward Marcus Morris (13) speak to the media during media day at the MSG training center in Greenburgh, NY. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks forward Marcus Morris‘s offseason signing was definitely for the culture. Toughness and grit defensively will be the New York Knicks identity. Whoever doesn’t want to play defense will definitely ride the bench. You keep what you kill especially on defense. That’s the kind of culture the Knicks are embarking on with Fizdale at the helm.

Marcus Morris Sr. is part of the new identity plan. During day three of Knicks training camp, Marcus Morris states the following to a pool of reporters after practice:

“Old school Knicks. Protect the Garden. You know my biggest thing is no one’s coming in there and disrespecting us”. You’re gonna come in there and get a hard-fought game. The better team is going to win, but we’re not tolerating no disrespect and nobody is coming in there and thinking it’s going to be easy. That’s first and foremost and I think — as a matter of fact, I know we got the guys who are going to stand and fight every night.”

Marcus Morris Sr. And the Knicks are a perfect match, especially when it comes to toughening the young talented nucleus of players the Knicks possess. Competitiveness and grit will rub off from not only Morris, but also from Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, and Julius Randle.

Marcus Morris averaged 13.9-points and 6.1-rebounds per game last season as a Celtic. The North Philadelphia native will look to start and make an immediate impact for the New York Knicks in a wide-open Eastern Conference this season.

Overall, the New York Knicks are stacked with versatile forwards unlike what ESPN tried to portray. This team is built for pressure defense and a physical offense that exploits mismatches. Fast uptempo play on both ends will help maximize the total depth of the Knicks roster which will increase their opportunities for more victories this season.