According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, former NBA player Darius Morris has passed away at the age of 33. The cause of Morris’ death is still unknown.
Four-year NBA veteran Darius Morris has passed away at the age of 33. Morris played for the Lakers, 76ers, Clippers, Grizzlies and Nets from 2011-2015.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 4, 2024
REPORT: Former NBA Guard Darius Morris Passes Away
Darius Morris’ NBA Career Breakdown
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Morris in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft out of Michigan. Throughout his Lakers tenure, Morris played for the Lakers and their then D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders. During the 2012-13 season, Morris started 17 games for the Lakers. This was the only NBA season he started a game in.
After two seasons with the Lakers, Morris signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, he only appeared in 12 games before the team waived him. Morris went back to Los Angeles to join the Clippers. The Michigan alum played in just 10 games for the team before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies for five games.
During the 2014-15 season, Morris signed with the Brooklyn Nets and played 38 games with the team. This was Morris’ last stop at the NBA level. After his Nets run, Morris played in the G League and for multiple overseas teams. Morris’ final team was the Basket Club Maritime Gravelines-Dunkerque, a French basketball club. His final game with the team was in 2020.
Throughout his career, Morris also signed with the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, and New Orleans Pelicans. However, he never appeared in a game for these teams.
Ultimately, Morris played in 132 games and started 17 of them over the course of four seasons. In these games, Morris averaged 3.3 points, 1 rebound, and 1.4 assists. Additionally, he appeared in 9 total playoff game with the Lakers and Nets. This includes a 24-point, 6-assist performance against the Spurs in Game 3 of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. In the game, Morris shot 9-for-15 from the field.
The Basketball World Mourns Morris’ Passing
After the news of Morris’ passing broke, many took to social media to send their condolences.
The Michigan men’s basketball page took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to honor Morris.
The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/cZLf4t5636
— Michigan Men’s Basketball (@umichbball) May 4, 2024
John Beilein, former Michigan head coach, also sent his condolences on the platform.
Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris. In 2010-11 Darius was our starting pt gd . He was a leader in that program changing 21 win season that laid the foundation for Michigan’s next decade of success.
RIP DMo and condolences to the Morris family.— John Beilein (@JohnBeilein) May 4, 2024
The National Basketball Retired Players Association also took to X to honor the former NBA guard.
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Darius Morris. #LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/z0abZjRxN6
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) May 4, 2024
