PORTLAND, Ore. _ Marcus Morris is only five years younger than his NBA role model, Carmelo Anthony.
When he was drafted in 2011, Morris envisioned himself another version of Melo, and emulated the All-Star's game and moves for that purpose.
"But I didn't get that many touches," Morris said. "So I had to stop that."
Morris, like many other outspoken players, was perplexed Anthony was out of the league for an entire year, unable to find a team willing to offer even a minimum contract. Knicks players worked out with Anthony over the summer at Columbia University at the invitation of David Fizdale, but the front office didn't seem interested in a reunion. Instead, it doled out big short-term contracts to a trio who all play Anthony's position (Morris, Julius Randle, Bobby Portis).
Anthony, according to a source, flew out to L.A. with the belief he was signing with the Clippers before training camp. But that also didn't happen.
"No disrespect to nobody, but there's guys in this league that can't tie Melo's shoes," Morris said. "And that's Melo now. So for sure, he should've been in the league. But you know, it always comes full circle and he's a real one and I always say the real never lose."
Anthony came into Tuesday's game against the Knicks _ his first facing his former team in nearly two years _ having recently won Western Conference Player of the Week and averaging 15.9 points and 5.8 rebounds in 10 games. He cracked Portland's starting lineup immediately and the team fully guaranteed Anthony's contract last week.
Anthony was close to retiring but said he's not surprised by the success.
"I know where I was at. Mentally, physically, I knew where I was at," he said. "From a basketball standpoint I knew where I was at. It was just a matter of getting that right opportunity to showcase that and this was the right opportunity for me to showcase that."
The year off _ which followed the decision from the Rockets to bench and waive Anthony _ refreshed his body.
"That could have helped," Anthony said. "Yeah, I think anybody who can preserve their body for a year, be able to work out and train, get the proper training that you need for a year, to prepare for whatever situation, it was definitely beneficial."
Although Anthony has received positive reviews around the league during his comeback, his shooting percentage before Tuesday was not pretty (41%) and his defense remains a concern. The Blazers had dropped three straight and were 4-6 since signing Anthony.
With friends and family still in New York, playing the Knicks again was a bigger occasion for Anthony and perhaps fans. He is one of only seven players to score over 10,000 points with the Knicks, and Anthony accomplished that in fewer games than anybody else on the list.
"It's a big deal (playing the Knicks) from the standpoint of I know everybody in New York will be watching, even though it's a late game," Anthony said. "Family, friends. It's always that special moment anyway. Just people to see me back playing against the Knicks."
Morris will also get another chance to face his idol.
"Been one of the best scorers in this league for a long time, he's still doing it," Morris said. "And I'm very happy for him, very impressed that a guy can come from not playing awhile and make a great impact like he has."
