R.I.P. NBA: Adam Morrison Signs In Serbia

[rise]

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22748484/31951791

He very well may go down as the biggest bust in NBA history. But he'll also go down as a two-time NBA champion.

Such has been the odd career of Adam Morrison. A college superstar turned No. 3 overall draft pick, has now signed a deal to play for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, according to ESPN.com.

Morrison's deal doesn't have NBA out, but really, does it even matter? The NBA came and went for Morrison seasons ago and he really was nothing more than a guy hanging on to a roster spot because of where he was picked. He wasn't an impact guy. Wasn't playing any minutes. And for all we know, wasn't even contributing much on the practice floor. I don't really think this deal was so much lockout inspired as it just is a career move for Morrison.

The question is: Can Morrison ever right the ship and return to the NBA? I want to say it's possible because of what he did at Gonzaga. We forget that in 2005-06, Morrison averaged 28.1 points a game, shot almost 43 percent from 3 and led the country in scoring. So when he was taken, yeah he was a bit of an awkward and strange swingman, but it's not like he didn't have ability. Did you know: Morrison actually scored 30 points in an NBA game? It's true. He did it in his rookie year against the Pacers.

Problem was, he couldn't learn to defend and couldn't figure out how to use his skillset to score in the NBA. Morrison really became like the worst version of Larry Bird you could imagine. He was The Basketball Jesus except without the actual playing and scoring and shooting and stuff. Because Morrison has always been able to shoot. He just never could get open.

And after a rocky rookie season where he didn't defend and shot just 37 percent, then a second season where he tore his ACL, Michael Jordan and the Bobcats pretty much gave up on him right then and there. I have to wonder: If they had committed to his development and worked him hard instead of just looking at him on one end and basically throwing in the towel, could he have been something? I mean, Kevin Durant was fairly awful defensively his first two seasons in the league and there was no doubt that he was going to lose his spot or anything. So why did Morrison fall into the doghouse?

So if it goes well for him in Serbia and he finds a little of his groove, could he return to the NBA and build the next great comeback story? Unlikely. But I'm not saying it can't happen. Like I said, he's got talent. He's got a heap of ability. He's just never come close to translating that to the NBA. Why? There are a lot of answers to that -- not athletic enough, didn't work hard enough, didn't understand how to fill a role -- but nothing ever makes a ton of sense for lottery busts. Unless you're Greg Oden. We get that.

Morrison wants the chance to finally play and get serious minutes. And that just wasn't happening on any NBA team. His reputation has been tarnished but that can be overcome. If he starts scoring again, someone will take notice. But right now, it feels like the Adam Morrison NBA experience has mercifully come to a close.

[shadowgrin]

I'm going to report this post because the content of that article offends me. Adam Morrison was, is, and always will be a superstar.

[NovU]

He'll ditch the team to play in the NBA when the lock out's over just like other 250 players.

[benji]

He'll ditch the team to play in the NBA when the lock out's over just like other 250 players.

No, he won't. The contract has no out.

[Mavs4Life]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You will be missed, Mustache Master

[Andrew]

A moment of silence.

[Kenny]

I was hoping AMMO would be snapped up by the NBL eventually. But hey, good for him. Hopefully he can be a star over there.

[The X]

I was hoping AMMO would be snapped up by the NBL eventually. But hey, good for him. Hopefully he can be a star over there.

That would be great. He could play next to Chris Goulding & dreams would come true for many.

Anyways, great move for Ammo

[Murat]

Good luck for Morrison, he'll get some serious minutes after his NBA stint.

[kibaxx7]

That sucks. It's a new era for basketball

[The X]

That sucks. It's a new era for basketball

NBA 2k12: Create A Legend

Adam Morrison to Hall of Fame

[Kenny]

NBA 2k12: Create A Legend

Adam Morrison to Hall of Fame

That challenge alone is almost enough for me to buy 2k12

[_Steve_]

That sucks. It's a new era for basketball

NBA 2k12: Create A Legend

Adam Morrison to Hall of Fame

It's at least worth a try.

[Uros12]

I can tell you this is a very bad decision for him,since I am from Serbia.He singed with Red Star Belgrade which is kinda bad team,he wont be playing Euroleague and Eurocup,only Serbian league which is not very great.However I am looking forward to see him live.

[rise]

.He singed with Red Star Belgrade which is kinda bad team

Maybe he'll put up star numbers!

[Fresh8]

He can always win the Serbian League for them so that they can make the other torunaments the next season!

[kevC]

He did lead the league in insulin shots per game. Not cool?

[Uros12]

BTW guys if you wanna know Red Star Belgrade won yesterday against BC Bayern Munich.Morrison had 17 points and 6 rebounds which is pretty nice.Oh and he doesnt have his beard anymore.

[Fresh8]

BTW guys if you wanna know Red Star Belgrade won yesterday against BC Bayern Munich.Morrison had 17 points and 6 rebounds which is pretty nice.Oh and he doesnt have his beard anymore.

That is very good.

He is more suited to European Basketball than the NBA. Hope he will prove it!

[shadowgrin]

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Uros12 had it the other way around. His beard is still there but ADAM MORRISION SHAVED OFF HIS MOUSTACHE! At least his long flowing locks is back again. Still, no more 'stache.

phpBB [video]

Amazing D by AmMo at 0:17, 0:32, 0:43, 1:56
In the face of two defenders at 0:26!
Pull-up 3 at 0:36!
Fadeaway that's even sweeter than Dirk's at 1:35!

[rise]

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Uros12 had it the other way around. His beard is still there but ADAM MORRISION SHAVED OFF HIS MOUSTACHE! At least his long flowing locks is back again. Still, no more 'stache.

phpBB [video]

Amazing D by AmMo at 0:17, 0:32, 0:43, 1:56
In the face of two defenders at 0:26!
Pull-up 3 at 0:36!
Fadeaway that's even sweeter than Dirk's at 1:35!

FUCK. Axel is going have a heart attack when he sees this non-mustachioed guy.

He almost looks like Rafael Nadal with the long hair.

[The X]

Keep the highlights coming all season long!!! Ammo is the greatest. He's what is missing in the NBA. Damn you Bobcats to hell. Same to you to Lakers, you don't know what you missed. Cult hero, like Chris Goulding

[benji]

He's what is missing in the NBA.

The NBA and especially the NBPA leadership seem pretty full of easily replaceable parts that bring nothing to the table.

[The X]

Just like Darko, he's been the best player on every team he's been on. They're just all haters

[benji]

I'm pretty sure my Creating a Legend is going to prove Darko is the superior.