It’s time to take his shot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown can live with Adam Morrison not making an open jump shot.

But when Morrison doesn’t take open shots – and that happened multiple times in a loss to the New York Knicks – Brown said he has little reason to play him.

Morrison played Tuesday for the first time in four games. In 121/2 minutes against the Knicks, Morrison took and missed three shots from the field, including an air ball from about 20 feet.

“After he missed those first couple, he didn’t even look at the basket,” Brown said. “As soon as I heard someone yell at him (from the stands), I ran a play for him. And he didn’t touch (the ball).”

Morrison represents a major investment by the Bobcats.

They drafted him third overall in 2006 and in October they exercised an option, guaranteeing him about $5.2 million for next season.

Morrison’s struggles aren’t entirely his fault– he missed last season after a severe knee injury – but he’s done little of late to help his cause.

Morrison is the second-highest pick in franchise history (Emeka Okafor went second overall in 2004.) Two of the wing shooters playing ahead of Morrison – Raja Bell and Matt Carroll – weren’t drafted.

“It’s tough,” Brown said of trying to find minutes for Morrison. “I tried to make a decision between him and Matt. I don’t feel comfortable (benching Morrison) because I think he can play.”

Morrison acknowledged not playing well, but suggested that’s in part from inactivity.

“I hadn’t played in four games. I was fine at the start of the year,” Morrison said. “I’ve just got to take those shots and knock them down.”

The Bobcats entered the season with a glut of wing players. Some of that glut was eliminated when Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley were traded to the Phoenix Suns on Dec. 10.

That trade meant opportunity for Morrison – he played 37, 19 and 19 minutes in the first three games after the deal – but he’s 5 of 25 from the field since Richardson and Dudley departed and hadn’t scored in the past six games he’s played until getting five points in 13 minutes Saturday in a victory over Milwaukee.

Brown said Morrison’s defensive liabilities make it imperative he’s aggressive on offense.

Morrison acknowledged earlier this season that trades were likely with the Bobcats so overloaded with wing players. But when asked Tuesday night if he needs a fresh start, Morrison said that’s not necessary.

“I think this year is a fresh start,” Morrison said, referring to his knee injury. “I’m still alive and still here. It just comes down to getting back and getting my movements right.”