Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: Getting to know new two-way player Jaylen Morris

By Jordan Treske

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 3: Jaylen Morris #3 of the Atlanta Hawks goes to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 Utah Summer League on July 3, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 3: Jaylen Morris #3 of the Atlanta Hawks goes to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 Utah Summer League on July 3, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 13: (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Looking at Morris’ playing style

Playing on the wing, Morris possesses great size as he stands at 6’5″ and is armed with a 6’9″ wingspan.

Due to those great physical tools, his high IQ and great foot speed, Morris’ calling card comes as a defender, especially off the ball, which he’s showcased on both the G League level and in flashes while in the NBA.

During his time with the Hawks playing under Coach Bud, the 2014-15 NBA Coach of the Year preached how vital it is for Morris to hone his play on that end of the floor as transcribed by Graham Chapple of Peachtree Hoops following a 114-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors back in the beginning of March:

"“That’s where he’s got to start,” said Budenholzer of Morris’ defense. “He’s got to be great defensively. I think in a short period of time he’s made a good impression with how he can move his feet, how he can stay with his guy, the toughness, a little bit of strength. I think that’s usually, anytime you’re coming from that level— I guess there’s a few exceptions but, for sure, he’s got to be great defensively and I think he can help offensively also.”"

While his game offensively isn’t as fully formed or as NBA-ready as his defensive stylings seem to be, Morris is productive and efficient acting primarily as a slasher who can play above the rim.

The biggest need Morris will certainly look to address is his range shooting, which he’s long struggled to add as a consistent element to his game. With that said, his steady strides as a free throw shooter indicate that his shot isn’t as faulty as his percentages indicate at this stage.

When looking at the total package, though, Morris’ impact on both ends of the floor proved to be invaluable, especially with the Bayhawks last season.

In fact, Morris logged the third-highest net rating (+6.4 points per 100 possessions) of regularly featured Bayhawks and without him on the floor, opponents outscored the Bayhawks by 4.4 points per 100 possessions, per the G League’s stats database.

Home/Bucks News