Philadelphia 76ers’ Marcus Morris Sr., center, goes up to shoot against Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan, left, and Jevon Carter, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Chicago. Missing three regular starters with injuries, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Marcus Morris Sr. to a 10-day contract on Monday to give them some depth. Morris played in 37 games earlier this season for Philadelphia before being traded to San Antonio on Feb. 8.
AP Photo | Paul Beaty
CLEVELAND — Missing three regular starters with injuries, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Marcus Morris Sr. to a 10-day contract on Monday to give them some depth.
Morris played in 37 games earlier this season for Philadelphia before being traded to San Antonio on Feb. 8. The 34-year-old agreed to a buyout with the Spurs and was waived Feb. 29, allowing him to remain eligible for the postseason.
It’s possible he’ll stay beyond his 10-day contract with the Cavs, who have been wrecked by injuries. Cleveland has lost three of four and is just 4-6 in its last 10 games.
All-Star Donovan Mitchell remains slowed by a left knee bruise that has bothered him since the break. He’ll sit out Monday’s game at Indiana, and it’s likely the Cavs will rest their leading scorer a few more games so he’s ready for the postseason.
Mitchell received a platelet-rich plasma injection two weeks ago and missed seven straight games before returning last week. Following Saturday’s loss in Houston, Mitchell expressed his frustration at not “blowing by” defenders due to the knee and seemed resigned to needing extra rest.
Cleveland, which begins the week No. 3 overall in the Eastern Conference, is also without forward Evan Mobley (ankle) and guard Max Strus (knee). Further, reserve Dean Wade (knee) is doubtful against the Pacers.
Until they’re back, Morris, who has earned a reputation for toughness during a 13-year career with Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, New York, the Clippers, and the 76ers, at least gives coach J.B. Bickerstaff some help.
Morris has averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26.7 minutes per game in his career. He was drafted with the No. 14 overall pick by Houston in 2011 after starring at Kansas.
