Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 10 best players from 2nd NBA decade (1986-96)

By Phil Watson

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - 1993: Sam Bowie #31 of the New Jersey Nets rebounds against the Chicago Bulls during a game played circa 1993 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - 1993: Sam Bowie #31 of the New Jersey Nets rebounds against the Chicago Bulls during a game played circa 1993 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD – MARCH 5: Chris Morris #34 of the New Jersey Nets dunks during a game played on March 5, 1995 at Continetal Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

SF. 1st round, 4th overall from Auburn, 1988 NBA Draft. Chris Morris. 6. player. 147.

Chris Morris had broken out as a senior at Auburn University, averaging 20.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, and shot up the draft boards leading into the 1988 NBA Draft.

The New Jersey Nets, in the lottery once again and looking for a scoring wing, took Morris fourth overall.

Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets /

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets signed Morris to a four-year deal in August 1988 and he earned All-Rookie second team honors after starting 48 games and averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

A free agent in 1992, Morris signed in mid-October during training camp, returning to the Nets on a three-year, $5.4 million deal as a restricted free agent.

Morris could score — he was a consistent double-digit producer in seven seasons with New Jersey — but his shot selection could be erratic. Specifically, he loved the 3-point line even though he wasn’t very accurate from behind it.

In October 1995, Morris left the Nets as an unrestricted free agent to sign with the Utah Jazz.

With New Jersey, Morris averaged 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals in 29. 9 minutes per game on .444/.307/.733 shooting.

He played in 13 playoff games from 1992-94, starting 11 and averaging 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks in 30.5 minutes a night on .481/.283/.903 shooting.

Morris’ led the Nets from 1986-96 with 784 steals and was second with 6,762 points and 468 blocked shots.

Morris spent three years with Utah as a reserve, appearing in two NBA Finals, and played the 1998-99 season with the Phoenix Suns.

After leaving the NBA, Morris toured with the Harlem Globetrotters in 2001, played briefly with the Southern California Surf of the new ABA in 2002 and closed out his career with a season in the Philippines and two years in Venezuela, retiring in 2004.

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