Sixers’ Marcus Morris Sr. talks thrill of starting intro in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — Marcus Morris Sr. is a North Philadelphia native. The veteran went to Prep Charter High School before playing his collegiate career at Kansas and then beginning his NBA career in the 2011-12 season with the Houston Rockets.
Since then, Morris has played for the Phoenix Suns, the Detroit Pistons, the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks, and now he’s with his hometown Sixers which is a thrill for the 34-year-old.
On Saturday, the Sixers were short-handed so coach Nick Nurse started Morris along with Paul Reed to fill in for the injured Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. Morris was introduced last in the starting lineup by PA announcer Matt Cord as from “North Philly” which is something Morris only dreamed of.
“Definitely surreal,” Morris reflected after the loss to the Utah Jazz. “(Expletive) if you would’ve asked me this in a million years, I would’ve said I didn’t think it would happen. My boys being able to see it, my family being able to see it, it was big for me. Just grateful for the opportunity.”
Being introduced last in the starting lineup is reserved for the team’s best player and their leader. For example, Embiid gets introduced last in Philadelphia every time. With the big fella out, that honor went to Morris.
What he didn’t know was that he would receive that honor during pregame introductions.
“I didn’t know,” Morris added. “I definitely didn’t. I walked out fourth thinking I was going fourth and then they were gonna introduce P-Reed, but Philly’s home. I’m just happy that they did that. It meant a lot.”
