Former NBA player Darius Morris has passed away at the age of 33, as reported by The Athletic’s Sham Charania. Morris was a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at Michigan. Over his four-year NBA career, Morris also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Brooklyn Nets. As a 6-foot-4 point guard, he averaged 3.3 points and 1.1 assists per game, with his best season being in 2013-14 when he averaged 6.9 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 42 percent on 3-pointers.
In addition to his NBA career, Morris also played in the NBA G League for teams like the Los Angeles D-Fenders (now the South Bay Lakers), Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and Santa Cruz Warriors. He also had professional stints in China, Russia, and France. At Michigan, Morris had a successful career from 2009-11, particularly in his sophomore season under coach John Beilein where he tallied 235 assists, which was the fourth-highest total in school history. This performance earned him All-Big Ten third-team honors, and the Wolverines advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2011.
While the cause of Darius Morris’ death has not been disclosed, his passing has left the basketball community in mourning. Former teammates, coaches, and fans have expressed their condolences and memories of Morris, highlighting his impact both on and off the court. As news of his death spreads, tributes pour in for the talented player who made his mark in college and professional basketball with his skills and contributions to various teams.
Morris’ journey from college standout at Michigan to playing for multiple NBA teams and overseas reflects his dedication and passion for the game. His impact on the court, from his playmaking abilities to his shooting skills, was evident throughout his career. While his time in the NBA may have been relatively short-lived, Morris’s impact and contributions to the teams he played for did not go unnoticed by fans and the basketball community at large.
As details about Morris’ passing continue to emerge, his legacy as a talented player and beloved teammate lives on through the memories and stories shared by those who knew him. The basketball world mourns the loss of a promising talent taken too soon, with many remembering Morris for his skills, work ethic, and the joy he brought to the game. His presence on the court will be missed, but his impact and legacy will endure as a reminder of the talent and passion he brought to the game of basketball. Rest in peace, Darius Morris.
