Despite early skepticism, Marcus Morris Sr. is proving to be a solid addition the Sixers should keep

All the different rotations the 76ers unveiled recently had one high-performing commonality.

It awakened the Sixers’ bench, added consistent three-point shooting, and provided a toughness representative of Philly. And it has all been the result newfound consistent minutes for the player who best representation of what it means to play for the blue-collar city.

You know Marcus Morris Sr., right? The pride of North Philly has shown recently that his best attribute isn’t having a $17.1 million expiring contract that could help facilitate a trade.

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The 6-foot-8, 218-pound forward had four points on 2-for-2 shooting along with a season-high eight rebounds, two assists and one block in 16 minutes, 23 seconds in Wednesday’s 129-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Morris is averaging 8.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 17.2 minutes while shooting 56.5% on three-pointers in the last nine games — with three starts — for the Sixers (16-7).

He was first player off the Sixers’ bench against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 6. Morris was the third guy off the bench behind Patrick Beverley and Kelly Oubre Jr. in the next three games, which included Wednesday.

”For me, there’s still some things to kind of figure out there in the back half of the rotation,” coach Nick Nurse said recently. “But I think Marcus is very experienced. I think he is a very physical, very tough player. And he can make kick-out, face-up threes. He’s going to shoot it with confidence.”

His spot in the rotation is not a lock, as Nurse added, “It could be a couple of other guys there, too.”

But Morris has provided a veteran presence and skill set in his 13th season, flashing qualities that could be beneficial in the postseason. With 67 postseason appearances under his belt, Morris’ experience alone would be an asset.

He reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2018 with the Boston Celtics. Then, in 2021, he advanced to the Western Conference finals with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Of course, there’s a chance he won’t remain on the Sixers roster in time for the playoffs. He was acquired by the team, along with Nico Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, two first-round picks and two second-rounders in the three-team trade that sent James Harden to L.A on Nov. 1.

» READ MORE: Marcus Morris calls playing for hometown Sixers surreal and ‘everything for me’

Like Morris, Batum ($11.7M), Covington ($11.6M), and Martin ($1.9M) have expiring contracts. The Sixers were adamant about needing two first-rounders in any deal for Harden.

So, at the time, the thought was the Sixers would receive a combination of veteran players and draft picks that they hoped they could turn into a third star to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. And that’s still a possibility even though the Sixers said they’ll be patient.

But Morris, or any of the new former Clippers, cannot be traded to a team aggregated with other players until the two-month restriction expires on Jan. 1. Until then, he can only be traded by himself and other non-player assets like draft picks and cash considerations. However, there will continue to be growing speculations with most free agents who signed their contracts during the offseason becoming trade-eligible on Friday. Add in next week’s G League Showcase in Orlando, and the coming days will feel like the unofficial start to the NBA trade season. The showcase is the league’s version of baseball’s winter meetings.

Morris is fully aware that he could be shipped to another team on or before the 3 p.m. trade deadline on Feb. 8.

”I understand the business part,” he said. “I know we [are] actively in trade [inquiries].”

But it won’t make a lot of sense for the Sixers to trade him unless they’re getting a substantially better fit in return. It would have to be someone like Toronto’s small forward OG Anunoby, a deal in which Morris’ salary will be needed to complete. The 6-7, 240-pound Raptor can defend multiple positions and make shots. Not only would he fit in nicely, Anunoby has a relationship with Nurse, who coached the Raptors the previous five seasons.

Like Anunoby, Morris is a winning player, one that you don’t trade a similar-level player for in return.

» READ MORE: Deal or no deal? Daryl Morey faces tough decisions as Sixers approach trade season.

Morris has a high basketball IQ, and is a selfless player who’s motivated by winning. He makes the Sixers better not only with his play, but leadership on and off the court.

However, there were cynics shortly after he was added in the trade. The 34-year-old didn’t play in four of his first 11 games as a Sixer. In seven appearances, Morris averaged just 1.1 points and 7.1 minutes while shooting 20% on three-pointers. But during that time, he was working his way back into game shape after being away from the Clippers for personal reasons.

Now back in game shape and receiving consistent minutes, Morris’ toughness, ability to make shots and locker-room presence have been major assets that will be hard to replace.

On Wednesday, he coached up Paul Reed during a break in action. Morris also set up teammates for solid plays and motioned where they needed to be on the floor.

He’s looking more and more like a solid addition than a tradable asset.