Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has not talked to Markieff Morris about comments, but plans to
Mar 2, 2015, 9:58 PM | Updated: 9:59 pm
Every now and then a team’s owner needs to step in and say something to one of his players.
This is one of those times, only the conversation is going to have to wait a bit.
Saturday, after the Phoenix Suns were routed by the San Antonio Spurs 101-74, forward Markieff Morris had some unkind words for Suns fans, saying the team does not enjoy a home-court advantage and could use more support from those in attendance.
Monday, Suns owner Robert Sarver said Morris’ comments are not reflective of how the organization feels, that the franchise appreciates every fan it has.
Sarver, who was talking with Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, said he has not yet talked to Morris about what he said but plans to when the team gets back from its four-game road trip.
“I think every experience is a learning experience,” Sarver said of what he’ll tell Morris. “I think that he needs to take this one as a learning experience.
“He works really hard on his game, he put a lot of time in in the offseason — you’ve seen that on the court this year — he’s made another big step.”
Morris is averaging a career-best 15.1 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He’s shooting 46.2 percent from the field, and has emerged as one of the team’s go-to players late in games.
“He committed to us under a very favorable contract for us which reflects his dedication to the franchise,” Sarver added. “And I want the fans to embrace him and root for him and cheer for him. And that’s what he should want, and this wasn’t a step in that direction. And so you just learn from it and move on.
“We all make mistakes. Listen, I’ve got a long list of them myself, as does everybody in this business. You live and learn and you try to do better the next time.”