Darius Morris NBA stock and view on M fans

Submitted by michfan4borw on

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110520/SPORTS0102/105200335/1131/sport…

 

Darius Morris has an increasing chance to get picked in the first round according to the Detroit News.  I think it's a good thing for him (obviously) and the Michigan program long term.  That said, this quote by Morris hurts a bit; I think because it's hard to deny that he's right on some level.  Agree with him?  No? 

 

 

Once Morris declared, though, he experienced some backlash from fans who felt Michigan was primed to take a huge leap in 2011-12. But, he felt he was prepared for the criticism. He saw it happen with former teammate Manny Harris, who left last year after his junior season. "It didn't get to me, I experienced it all my life," Morris said. "You do think about it, when your biggest fans instantly turn on you. It comes with the territory with the Michigan fan base." All in all, Morris hopes fans will realize he made the best decision for his future. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110520/SPORTS0102/105200335/U-M-guard-Dari…’-pro-stock-rises-at-combine#ixzz1Mtc8KNs2

Mr. Flood

May 20th, 2011 at 10:08 AM ^

Athletes only have a finite number of years to ply their trade.  Every year that they stay in college is millions of dollars less in their lifetime earnings.  How many of us would turn down that kind of money if we were offered it?

Callahan

May 20th, 2011 at 10:12 AM ^

I have rarely been as embarrassed by Michigan fans as I was when Morris decided to stay in the draft. It sucks for us, sure, but that's college basketball. Most kids leave as soon as they are sure they'll get drafted.

Look at Kalin Lucas's situation. Lucas goes pro after sophomore year, he's a potential lottery pick. He doesn't, tears his Achilles as a junior and has a pretty mediocre senior year. Morris will probably be drafted before Lucas. 

MaizeAndBlueManGroup

May 20th, 2011 at 10:39 AM ^

I actually agree with Darius, but every other fanbase in the country would have reacted the same way. You are always going to have a portion of the fanbase lash out at you so for him to single out UM's is a little unfair IMO. Still, I wish him the best of luck.

I also think this serves as a great reminder to all that PLAYERS READ THIS SITE. Keep that in mind while posting.

Gary_B

May 20th, 2011 at 10:33 AM ^

I'm not sure why these players are reacting the way they do to fandom, then again I am not in their shoes. But, if it were me and fans were extremely disappointed that I was leaving the team, I would take it as a compliment that everyone wanted me to stay because I was an integral component necessary to winning a B1G championship and getting back to the NCAA Tournament. I must add that I do not follow Twitter and have not seen any of the comments directed at him. A great majority of the comments on this site have been constructive criticism for improving his game with the understanding that we would be a better team with him, but the consensus seems to be "good luck and we hope you do well." That is a far cry from turning on Morris and no longer being a fan of him, IMO.

In reply to by Section 1

chitownblue2

May 20th, 2011 at 11:40 AM ^

If you don't see the difference between being taunted by the opposition's fans and his own fans, you're beyond help.

Further, if you think he "whining", I think you're distorting his quote.

bryemye

May 20th, 2011 at 12:00 PM ^

Those aren't insults, those are sometimes ironic comments pointing out glaring holes in his game. There's a stark difference.

Money-grabber is maybe an insult. Maybe. I think the general consensus is that Darius is more likely to get drafted in the first round this year than next year in a stronger draft or the year after. That's the logic behind him going to the NBA. First rounders get more money than second rounders in their first contract, which is all most NBA players ever get. All that said I don't think you can fault a kid for wanting to get paid.

jmblue

May 20th, 2011 at 6:32 PM ^

Even if you "meant well" with ironic comments (and I don't think all the negative things posted about him plausibly fall in that category), maybe you should consider that what is posted on this very prominent message board can be widely read and potentially misinterpreted.

dennisblundon

May 20th, 2011 at 10:46 AM ^

The mriders of the world are out there and unfortunately have an internet connection. I hope that a few fans don't sour his memories of Michigan. Kicking Sparty's ass twice, when were in need of shutting them up, will forever be appreciated. In honor of Darius I say,"! Get The Fuck Off My Court!"

tk47

May 20th, 2011 at 11:04 AM ^

and I'm sticking with my rationale.  He has A LOT of work to do to become a serviceable NBA player.  In his 2 years here he displayed no outside jumper, no ability to use his left hand, and despite his ability to distribute the ball he still dribbled too much.  I'M NOT SAYING HE DOESN'T HAVE THE TALENT TO BE A VERY GOOD NBA POINT GUARD, I just thought he could benefit more from starting for another year in college rather than riding a bench in the NBA (or sitting at home if there's a work stoppage).

 

HOWEVA, my initial criticism was also based on him being projected to go in the 2nd round.  With him now being almost unanimously projected to go in the 1st, his decision is a lot easier to defend, especially since next year's draft will be loaded.  Still, I think he could have really improved his draft standing (read: rookie contract) if he stayed here another year.

dennisblundon

May 20th, 2011 at 11:10 AM ^

The entire NBA draft has become a draft of unproven talent. The NBA created their own problem when they started drafting kids out of high school. Even many of the foreign players that will be drafted are unproven. Right Piston fans? Irving who will be the 1st pick of the draft spent most of the year injured. It's all a roll of the dice, unless a Lebron or KG is in the draft.

MGoChippewa

May 20th, 2011 at 11:24 AM ^

It will probably be easier for him to work on the things that he struggles with at the NBA level where he can practice on a daily basis and not worry about classes.  He reminds me a bit of Ramon Sessions who had a lot of the same knocks on his game(shooting, dribbling skills).  Sessions went 56th overall in a poor draft but was given an opportunity in Milwaukee and ran with it.  Morris can do the same, providing some team 10-20 minutes off the bench and showing off what he can do, and working on the things he can't do.

JHendo

May 20th, 2011 at 11:09 AM ^

Even though i thought he developmentally wouldve greatly benefitted from another, I understand it is a very weak draft class and a perfect oppurtunity. And in the end, I hope in the end it is the best option for his career. i just don't like it when someone says they're not going to leave for the draft and then they do. I'll always hold that against him while still wishing him the best.

UMFan1780

May 20th, 2011 at 11:16 AM ^

When he declared, I was upset (but not at DMo - it's his choice and who are we as fans to tell him what to do out of our selfish desire to see our school or alma mater succeed).  I was upset because I thought the stars were alligned for UM to be a top 10 team, compete for the Big Ten title, and make some tournament noise - something MSU has been doing for far too long.  That being said, what's done is done and it's time to move on from here.  I like seeing the attitude from posters, bloggers, and WTKA callers/personalities that Burke could be a good substitute, and that there is no reason are expectations shouldn't still be high.

jg2112

May 20th, 2011 at 11:46 AM ^

Whatever benefit Michigan basketball will receive in recruiting by Darius Morris being drafted in the first round and confirming John Beilein's ability to coach recruits to their professional dreams is counterbalanced by Michigan fans criticizing a player for following his dream. If you don't think the players (and by proxy, recruits) notice this stuff, Darius Morris and Jordan Morgan have provided public proof of this.

Well done, Michiganidioti.

Noleverine

May 20th, 2011 at 12:07 PM ^

This kind of stuff embarasses me as an M fan. I understand we all want best for the University, but he gave us years of his life, effort, and dedication. the least we can do is thank him for his time and wish him the best of luck. This kid's life is bigger than our basketball season next year. I, for one, wish that he achieves everything he has dreamed and his decision was the right one.

WeCheerThemAgain

May 20th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^

...I think every one of us is guilty of doing some form of:

when we heard that Darius was leaving.  It's just too bad that some of us are still stuck in that phase.

Good luck, Darius.

M-Wolverine

May 20th, 2011 at 2:20 PM ^

But I think he'll find that all fanbases are like that. Wait till he's paid millions and has a bad game. Maybe the shock is that Michigan fans are no better. But then, you'd have to not be paying attention.

Lost in all this is the main point of the article, that it seems there are legitimate sources now saying his draft stock is rising. There are a variety of reasons people complain about the decision. One is "does this maximize his value?"  If he seems to be a second round pick, being told what he wants to hear by others that he'll go in the 1st round, then no, he's not. But if he's getting more than one NBA guy legitimately telling him they might take him (not an "Uncle" telling him he'll be a first rounder, or just one scout who ends up liking someone better making him slide, like happens to so many early entries), and he goes in the first round, that good news for everyone. It's not the decision that's ever the problem; it's if it's the right decision. It's great to hear that it seems to be swinging in the direction of the right decision. We won't know until the draft actually occurs (and if they even have a season this year), but for all the teeth gnashing, I take it as a positive article (with some flamebait at the end).

gajensen

May 20th, 2011 at 5:30 PM ^

Here are some teams outside of the lottery in the first round that could use Darius:

#30/#28 Chicago Bulls

Their biggest knock is that they do not have a starting caliber SG.  A solution could be to brign in a tall, pure PG, and have Rose play off the ball some more.

#29 San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker has been on the trade block for the past few seasons, and both he and Ginobili are no longer spring chickens (29 and 33 respectively).  SAS has a good thing going in the backcourt with George Hill and Gary Neal (who made an all-rookie team), and Darius could complete a viable three guard rotation in years to come.

#21 Portland Trailblazers

Brandon Roy used to play a lot of point for them before his knees exploded.  Andre Miller is underappreciated there and already 35.  Darius is directly compared to Miller, so this would probably be the best situation for him.

#18 Washington Wizards

Yes, they have John Wall.  But when he went down for an extended period of time they started absolute scrubs at the PG position and were forced to play guys out of position.  Getting a true PG to backup Wall would be in their best interests.

 

MGoChippewa

May 20th, 2011 at 10:52 PM ^

All of those teams are strong possibilities, but I don't see the Bulls taking him when they could have already been doing this with CJ Watson.  I also think you left out a couple of teams in Dallas and New York.  Dallas doesn't have a true point behind Kidd as Barea, Terry and Beaubois are all scoring types.  New York could use him as the dishing complement to Chauncey and Toney Douglas' scoring abilities.

gajensen

May 20th, 2011 at 11:18 PM ^

The Bulls need to have 3 PGs on the roster.  Pargo and LucasIII expire and I don't expect either to be brought back.



Here is their 3 deep if they take Darius, with 1 other random on the active roster besides the 11 listed, probably a C or SF.

PG Rose/Watson/MORRIS

SG Bogans/Brewer/Rose

SF Deng/Korver/Brewer

PF Boozer/Gibson/Deng

C Noah/Boozer/Asik

Rose came into the league with combo guard potential.  There's no shame in it if he plays off the ball in stretches.  Having Watson and Morris on the roster would allow him to do that while providing injury insurance.

 

and NY was already listed so I left them off.