The San Antonio Spurs have always been a franchise that prides itself on toughness, basketball IQ, and selflessness. During the offseason, they signed a player that fits into this culture perfectly: Marcus Morris.

Morris, a nine-year veteran who has suited up for four different teams, is known throughout the league for his toughness. Last season, he played the enforcer role for the Boston Celtics alongside fellow tough guy Marcus Smart. When the Celtics signed Morris, they knew exactly what they were getting after his comments in the middle of the season:

“I have to be the tough guy on the team. Guys knocking my guys down, I can’t have that. It’s going to be my role to be the bully and I’m accepting it.”

Morris will easily slide into this role in San Antonio. The team currently does not have a player that will fill the role of the dude who knocks some heads around if anyone messes with DeMar DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge. Morris is perfect for it.

Besides being a fierce protector of his teammates, Morris will bring plenty of basketball talent to Texas. Last season, he was one of the Celtics' most dependable players in a year when the team was a roller-coaster of ups and downs.

Morris averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 0.6 of a steal per contest in 75 games for the C's. He shot 45 percent from the field and 38 percent beyond the arc. He did a lot of things well in Boston; other players' shortcomings (Terry Rozier) or slow recoveries from injury (Gordon Hayward) played a bigger role in the Celtics' struggles.

The Spurs looked anemic on the offensive end at times when their stars were off the court. Beside Aldridge and DeRozan, no one on the team averaged more than 14 points a game. Now, the Spurs have another reliable scorer on their roster. In his last four NBA seasons, Morris has averaged nothing lower than 13.6 points a game. His steady scoring will be a welcome addition to a team that ranked only 17th in the league in points per game.

While he figures to be an offensive upgrade, Morris will also help the Spurs out on the opposite side of the court. While his teammate Smart usually took the honor of guarding the opponents best wing player, Morris was a solid second choice and an underrated defender. He can hold his own on the post against bigger opponents with his 6'9, 235-pound frame. When he is forced to switch on to perimeter guards or match up against smaller wings, Morris has proved nimble enough to be a pest.

Combined with Dejounte Murray and Lonnie Walker IV, the Spurs have potential to have positive defenders at three of the five spots if they decide to go small and play DeRozan or Walker at the three and Morris at the four.

Overall, the Morris signing has given San Antonio greater roster flexibility and a quality wing player. While the Spurs might miss the playoffs this year due to the monster Los Angeles signings, there is no doubt Morris and company will give the Western Conference a hell of a fight.