Ex-NBA point guard dead at 33: Michigan star played for Nets, Sixers, Lakers and others

Former point guard Darius Morris, who played eight seasons in the NBA, including one each with the Philadelphia 76ers and Nets, has died at 33, his family said in a statement to TMZ.

No cause of death was given.

“With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” his family said in a statement on Saturday. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

Morris, who was born in Los Angeles, was a four-star recruit out of Windward High School before playing at Michigan from 2009-11. In his sophomore season, he was name to the All-Big Ten Third Team and was named the program’s Most Valuable Player after averaging 15 points and 6.7 assists.

In 2011, he led Michigan into the third round of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to top-seeded Duke, 73-71. Morris had 16 points and six assists. In that season, he set a school record with 235 assists.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of former Wolverine Darius Morris,” former Michigan coach John Beilein wrote on Twitter/X. “In 2010-11 Darius was our starting [point guard]. 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.”

Morris was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft and he played two seasons with Los Angeles before skipping around the league, with stops for the Sixers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Trail Blazers, Nets and Pelicans.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Darius Morris,” the Lakers wrote in a post on X.