NBA guard Monte Morris gets in work with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement.
The 51st pick of the 2017 NBA Draft (second round), Monte Morris was thrilled to be drafted, but knows that he should have gone higher. Very confident but chill, Monte is a cool customer on and off the court.
2017 was the first year of the NBA's two-way contracts, expanding NBA rosters from 15 to 17 players. This allows two players to simultaneously play for their NBA teams and G-League affiliate.
The two-way contract allowed Monte Morris to gain valuable NBA experience with the Denver Nuggets while staying in great shape and putting up impressive numbers in the G-League for the Rio Grand Valley Vipers.
Morris averaged an impressive 18/4.5/7 line for the Vipers, starting 35 of his 37 games played. He also hit 1.7 threes per contest. Monte got it done on defense too, averaging 1.8 steals per game.
Monte Morris' two-way contract year was a success, and now he is focused on securing a new deal by stepping up his game and showing out at the NBA Summer League once again.
Morris on the rise with help from The Basketball Movement
Waiting patiently for his turn is how Morris described his NBA outlook. He knows that his time will come - it is primarily in the hands of the Denver Nuggets now. In the meantime, Monte is putting in work on his game.
Monte Morris grew up in Michigan and played four years of college ball with Iowa State. Fellow Iowa State Alum, Deonte Burton was his connection to the basketball mecca of the Midwest - The Basketball Movement.
Speaking with Monte, he mentions the efficient pace of the workouts with The Basketball Movement. He notes the intensity as an effective use of time to get in a great session, no matter the duration.
He also spoke about a competitive advantage that The Movement holds over other organizations:
“The film analysis has helped me a lot. That’s something that other training facilities don’t have.”
For pro-level or even college-level players, film analysis becomes very important. There are not many places that can show you how to practice this effectively before you are already a pro.
Morris' next steps
Film analysis is important, but so is staying in shape and constantly improving. Asking Morris about what he is currently working on, he cited "A lot, but right now adjusting my shot to keep my guide hand off the ball more. So my shot has changed, but I'm already adjusting."
He said that game speed was probably the biggest adjustment from college to the pro level, but it did not take too many reps to get acclimated. He is now ready to take the league by storm.
His short-term goal? "Dominate Summer League." We believe he can.
With Monte Morris and other players that have worked with The Basketball Movement primed to take charge of the NBA Summer League, keep an eye out here for big names to watch for as we and our players continue to elevate.