Marquese Chriss' NBA career didn't get off to a storybook start, but now he appears to have found a place with the Warriors.
Chriss, a projected top-five talent in the 2016 NBA Draft, struggled in Phoenix and was traded to the Houston Rockets prior to last season. Issues with maturity, shot selection and overall effectiveness saw Chriss dealt once again to the Cavs before signing with the Warriors this summer.
The Washington product has looked like a different player since donning a Warriors jersey, with his play reportedly leading some to petition general manager Bob Myers to keep Chriss on the roster. After Chriss scored eight points and pulled down four rebounds in the Warriors' preseason loss to the Lakers on Wednesday night at Staples Center, Draymond Green teed off on the Suns for not getting enough of the blame for how Chriss' career has gone.
Jared Dudley, who played with Chriss in Phoenix and now suits up for the Lakers, responded to Green's comments, backing up the growth Chriss has shown in his short time with the Warriors.
You can def see the game slowing down for @quese .. His Shot selection is night and day from now now vs in Phx, use to shoot 5 threes a game (was told too) his behavior much improved.. But team culture is key! Can't give young kids PT they have to earn it. Happy for him! https://t.co/t7kmWNxuvK— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) October 17, 2019
The Suns have been poorly run for the past decade, failing to help a bevy of young players like Chriss realize their full potential. With the way that ship was being steered in the desert, Chriss had a very small chance of succeeding.
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After a solid preseason, Chriss, still only 22, appears likely to be given a spot on the Warriors' hard-capped, 14-man roster, giving them big man depth behind Kevon Looney and Willie Cauley-Stein.
The Warriors got a 22-year-old with all-world talent on the cheap, and they are doing what good organizations are supposed to -- getting the talent to shine through.