Marquese Chriss Rises for Slam Dunk vs. Jazz
Marquese Chriss, as he’s shown on an NFL field, can chuck a football 65 yards downfield.
His play on the basketball court suggests he could probably haul in some passes, too.
Throughout the Suns’ preseason schedule, Chriss has been a force on the pick-and-roll – catching lob after lob and converting them into highlight-reel dunks.
The passes are similar to the 50-50 balls quarterbacks often throw to their receivers in the end zone. Except with Chriss, the odds are slightly better for a completion.
“Nah, I would say it’s more like 75-25,” Chriss said. “I can go get it.”
Yes, he can. The No. 8 overall pick from June’s draft is off to a fast start to his professional career. Through three preseason games, he is averaging 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 24 minutes.
Earlier this summer, Chriss initially showed some tentativeness while setting screens. Instead of diving to the rim, he floated to the perimeter for 3-point shots. The Suns’ coaching staff and his teammates quickly put an end to that.
Chriss can still utilize his ability to stretch the floor with a jumper, which he did several times on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, but Phoenix wants to see the rookie attack the basket to develop his physicality.
“We all know Marquese can play on another level above the rim,” Head Coach Earl Watson said. “His teammates love the energy he brings. He’s strong, he’s only 19 and when he gets bigger, he can be that enforcer-like bully guy that has a finesse game to him, which is very rare.”
When the regular season begins later this month, it is still unclear what Chriss’ role will be in the Phoenix rotation. But with P.J. Tucker still nursing a back injury, there’s opportunity for others to earn more minutes – an opening Chriss hopes to exploit.
“I feel extremely comfortable with what I’m capable of doing,” Chriss said. “I think it’s starting to show. It’s still preseason, but I think a lot of people are coming out to try to prove themselves and I’m just trying to play hard.”