Sad news has reached the basketball community: Darius Morris, a 33-year-old former guard for the NBA, has passed away. The former Michigan star was selected in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise he joined after two seasons. From 2013 to 2014, he rotated through three different locations.
From 2011 to 2015, Morris was a member of the NBA, during which time he was affiliated with the Lakers, 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies. His cause of death has not been determined at this time.
From 2009 to 2011, Morris participated in collegiate basketball at the University of Michigan. During his time there, he accumulated more than 200 assists in a single season, which is one of only five players in school history to accomplish this feat. The Lakers ultimately selected him with the 41st overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft.
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The family of Morris issued a statement to TMZ Sports confirming his passing. “With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” according to the announcement. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
On social media, the Lakers shared a photo of Morris alongside condolences for the passing of their former player. Morris, who entered the 2011 NBA draft as the 41st overall decision, appeared in 48 games for the purple and gold, 19 of which were as a starter. In the team’s first-round loss to the San Antonio Spurs, he also contributed an average of 10.5 points and 3.0 assists while starting two of the team’s four games.
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Morris spent his third season in the NBA in Philadelphia, where he also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and the 76ers. His final NBA campaign concluded the following year, during which he appeared in 38 games for the Brooklyn Nets.
Darius Morris’s Career Through the G-League
Darius Morris continued his professional career from 2016 to 2020, however it was in the NBA G-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Stanta Cruz Warriors. He also played in China, Russia, and France with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League.
Morris attended Michigan for two seasons before declaring for the NBA draft. During his sophomore year, he averaged 15.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, earning him third-team All-Big Ten accolades in 2010–2011.
