Culture of Hoops

Adam Morrison back in the NBA

It gives me great pleasure to say, “Welcome back, Adam… you’ve been missed although some may have forgotten.” I am not one of the latter. The question, “Where’s Adam Morrison playing these days,” has become an all too familiar query the past few years, with a new one emerging – “What’s with the new look?”

The former Gonzaga Bulldogs jump-shot machine has seen an unimpressive run relative to expectation since his introduction to the NBA in 2006. Morrison played his rookie and second seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats, which says it all if we play the team association game. But despite meager playing time during his third and fourth seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Morrison did win rings.

“With the third pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats select… Adam Morrison from Gonzaga University.”

That was a big day for the once-upon-a-time NCAA Co-Player of the Year. Some might even say the draft was the “one shining moment” of his NBA career, but who’s to say at this point? Years later, we find Morrison adrift in what has now become a seemingly inconsistent and injury-plagued career and two seasons played in Serbia and Turkey, respectively.

But, guess who’s back? The 28-year-old, Glendive, Montana native has agreed to a one-year deal for the league minimum with the Portland Trail Blazers and thus given a new lease on his NBA life. Of course, there is no bar to set for Mr. Morrison. Who knows what to expect? I respect Adam Morrison too much for what he was to ever disrespect him for what he has become. I have a saying: Always expect the worst, and you’ll never be disappointed. There’s life in those skinny Morrison legs* and it would be nice to see him hit a jump-shot in somebody’s face more frequently. Is that asking too much?

*In five NBA Summer League games this year, playing with the Los Angeles Clippers, Morrison averaged 20 points and five boards and shot 55% FG and 60% from Beyond The Arc.

You can e-mail me at [email protected].

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

To Top