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Sixers’ Marcus Morris, the pride of Erie Avenue, will receive a key to the City of Philadelphia

The North Philly native, who often works alongside his brother, Markieff, to give back, will be honored at Philadelphia City Hall on Thursday.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. reacts during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Marcus Morris Sr. reacts during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.Read moreHeather Khalifa / Staff Photographer

ATLANTA — Marcus Morris shared some news Wednesday before the 76ers’ shootaround.

“You know, I get the key to the city tomorrow,” he said to a reporter.

The North Philly native will be honored at City Hall at about 2 p.m. Thursday for being one of the city’s native sons.

“I’m like that, bro,” Morris joked. “You are talking about Philly. Yeah, I’m like that.”

» READ MORE: Marcus and Markieff Morris share their basketball knowledge and their Philly roots | Mike Jensen

The power forward has always represented Philly to the fullest.

During his time at Kansas, and through six NBA stops in 13 seasons, Morris was routinely identified as the hooper from Philly.

Since being traded to his hometown Sixers on Nov. 1, Morris’ usual high basketball IQ, selfless play, and Philly toughness have been on full display. He makes the Sixers better not only with his play but with his leadership on and off the court.

Now the 34-year-old is being recognized by the city for his contributions on and off the court. He and his twin brother, Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris, frequently give back to the community.

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas organized Thursday’s event, which will honor Morris’ charity and philanthropy work through his Family Over Everything Foundation.

“I’m just grateful,” Morris said. “You know I have been repping my city and doing stuff for my city for a long time. I never, ever looked for recognition or anything like that. It’s not why I do it.

“For them to be recognizing me and my family — not just me, but the last name — is surreal.”

The Morris twins led Prep Charter High School to two PIAA Class AA state championships. Afterward, they spent a year at Apex Academy in Pennsauken before becoming standouts at Kansas.

Marcus was selected 14th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2011 NBA draft by now-Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, then the Rockets general manager. At the time, Nick Nurse, now the Sixers’ head coach, coached the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s D-League affiliate. Morris played for Nurse while on assignment with the Vipers.

Fast forward to now, Morris has averaged 6.1 points and 15.7 minutes while shooting 43.3% on three-pointers in his first 27 games with the Sixers after reuniting with Morey and Nurse in his favorite city.

» READ MORE: Sixers center Joel Embiid is going to miss games. The key is getting him to the playoffs healthy.

And the kid from Erie Avenue is about to receive one of Philly’s biggest honors.

“I never even thought that was even an option,” Morris said. “Like I never even fathomed being in the conversation of getting a key to the city. But at the same time, I was raised on morals and a lot of respect and a lot of caring for people. So I’m not surprised that, at the end of the day, that’s happening to my family. ...

“I’m getting it, but my brother should be there. He’s not there, so I’m taking it for my family.”