Marcus Morris: Tallies 17 points to open preseason

The 27-year-old got the exhibition slate off to an outstanding start and looked to be in mid-season form with his shot. Morris enjoyed a breakout season in Detroit as the starter last season, averaging a career-high 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 35.7 minutes per contest. Just as important, he was one of the best lockdown small forwards on defense in the league, helping lead the Pistons to a playoff berth. Morris is expected to provide the same stellar all-around game in the coming season and despite the continued emergence of last year’s No. 1 pick Stanley Johnson behind him, he’s expected to open the season as a starer, although a slight dip in his minutes is entirely conceivable considering the latter’s expected ongoing development.