Former Detroit Pistons guard and Michigan native Monte Morris is set to be waived by the Indiana Pacers, according to an ESPN report.
The 30-year-old guard signed with the Pacers earlier this month, taking over the 15th roster spot held by reigning three-time NBA slam dunk contest champion Mac McLung.
It looks like the Pacers aren’t done auditioning for the spot as Morris is being waived in favor of forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who has played 10 games for the Pacers this season under a pair of 10-day hardship deals.
Morris, born in Grand Rapids, had a short-lived stint with the Pistons during the 2023-2024 season. After being acquired from the Washington Wizards during the offseason, a lengthy recovery from a quadriceps injury led to Morris only playing six games for the Pistons before being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the trade deadline.
In those six games, Morris averaged 4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 36.4% shooting from the field.
He would play 45 games for the Phoenix Suns last year before joining the Pacers for six games this season where he posted 3.0 points, 1.5 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game in a limited role off the bench.
Morris spent his first five seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets after being selected 51st overall in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Iowa State. Initially on a two-way contract, Morris made his NBA debut in Dec. 2017 against the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
He would play 280 total games for the Nuggets, eventually becoming a consistent starter. In a career 2021-22 campaign, Morris started 74 games, averaging a career-best 12.6 points with 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. He was dealt to the Wizards the next offseason.
Although born in Grand Rapids, Morris grew up and made his name in Flint attending Flint Beecher High School.
He led the Buccaneers to consecutive Class C Michigan state titles in 2012 and 2013 and was named Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 2013, making him among the most decorated high school basketball players in Flint-area history.
Morris will now try to catch on with his seventh NBA team over his nine-year career.
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