Celtics forward Marcus Morris’s felony assault trial concluded on Monday afternoon in Phoenix and was put in the hands of the jury. Morris and his twin brother Markieff, who plays for the Wizards, were on trial for taking part in a 2015 attack on a former acquaintance in Phoenix, leaving the man with a broken nose.
The Morris’s lawyers have insisted that the twins did not take part in the attack and that they are being targeted for financial reasons. Marcus Morris could face prison time if he is found guilty, but even if he just received probation he would face a 10-game suspension from the NBA.
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Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team has been in contact with Morris throughout the trial. A member of the staff has been in Phoenix putting Morris, who will likely be Boston’s starting power forward,through early morning workouts before he goes to court.
“I’ve talked to him a couple of times, but I haven’t spent a lot of time talking to him,” Stevens said. “I know we’re giving what we need to give from the standpoint of ‘This is what we’re doing on the floor.’ But until you go out and do it with the guys, it will take time to adjust, that’s for sure.”
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Center Aron Baynes started at center in the Celtics’ preseason opener against the Hornets on Monday, with Al Horford sliding over to power forward.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach @globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.