Houston Rockets 2011 NBA select Marcus Morris; trade for Donatas Motiejunas; draft F Chandler Parsons in 2nd round.

Updated: 9:37pm CDT -- quotes from Marcus Morris

Updated: 9:00pm CDT

Updated: 8:40pm -- The Rockets and Wolves have agreed to trade Jonny Flynn and Donatas Motiejunas to Houston for Brad Miller, 23rd pick and future 1st.

Posted: June 23, 2011, 8:30pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) - The Houston Rockets select forward Marcus Morris with the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Morris is a 6'9" junior forward from Kansas. Marcus averaged 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game at KU.

Morris spoke with the Houston media and described what he brings to the team.

"I think I bring a lot of toughness to the game and a lot of energy. I feel like a lot of people know that my presence is felt where ever I'm at on the court. I'm a scorer. I can score the ball; and, I can defend a lot of positions.

Rockets' Director of Global Scouting, Arturas Karnisovas, spoke with the media after the selection and said, "We think he's a very talented power forward that can score. He's tough inside. He can score close to the basket. He can take you outside. He has a perimeter shot. He's just tough. He's a player that can also defend. He's got good feet; so, overall, he's a complete package."

Karnisovas added, ""We think his upside is a three (small forward). I think we're going to try to play him at both positions (small and power forward)."

On paper, Morris' skill set seems similar to Patrick Patterson's; but, Karnisovas said, "We're going to wait and see. Our coaches will find a way to use him. I think they'll work fine together."

Karnisovas acknowledged the Rockets like Morris tenacity.

"What we like about him is, obviously, his toughness. We know that he's always been known as a player that likes contact. He always wants to get better. We're looking forward to having him."

Morris had a great workout for the Rockets.

Karnisovas described Morris' skill set as versatile on defense with a good ability to score around the basket and use his body.

"We always saw him as a versatile defender. He can defend on the perimeter; and, at the same time, he doesn't shy away from contact inside. He was able to rebound. I think he's versatile on both ends. I think he's very talented."

"He knows angles. He's demonstrated that he's a good finisher inside. He uses his body to bump defenders and create space. He has a high basketball IQ; so, he's going to figure it out."

Karnisovas admires Morris' confident attitude.

"It's great that he's confident. He's been great on the college level. We are sure that he can do it on the NBA level; and, he's going to have time to demonstrate that."

Morris said he showed the Rockets "what I do. I score the ball; and, I defend. I'm not a guy that plays outside of my game."

With Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes (if he re-signs), Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson, and rookies Marcus Morris and Donatas Motiejunas, the Rockets appear to have a glut at the power forward spot. However, Morris believes he can transition to small forward.

"It is what is. I think I can fit it in where ever they want me to play. If I have to play the 3, if I can just slim down and get quicker, I'll be fine."

Donatas Motiejunas turns 21 later this year on September 21. He's 7'0", 222 pounds. This past season, for Benetton Trevision in the Italian League, Motiejunas averaged 11.1 ppg, 4.6 ppg, and 2.0 spg in about 23 minutes per game. He's described as an excellent shooter out to three-point range. Motiejunas can "convert on turnarounds or hook shots form the post, using solid footwork to set up his shot." He's also a good passer and a solid athlete.

Chandler Parsons will turn 23 on October 25. Parsons played four seasons at the University of Florida wherehe averaged 10.2 points per game. Parsons shot 47.7% overall from the field including 33.7% from three-point range; however, Parsons shot 43 for 117 (38.6%) in the 2010-2011 season. Parsons, 6'9 / 6'10, weighs about 200 pounds; but, he's an excellent passer for a small forward with good ball handling skills. He's described as a "solid defender with good length and lateral quickness. Great size for his position."

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