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Golden State Warriors hoping for Marquese Chriss to make another leap

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 05, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-88. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 05, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-88. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Marquese Chriss can become a big-time factor for the Golden State Warriors if he is able to make another leap.

Few players on the Golden State Warriors roster have had a more inspiring season than Marquese Chriss. The young forward is looking like a brand new player and is thriving with the Dubs.

Chriss had gotten the short end of the stick for much of his career thus far. Drafted into a toxic environment in Phoenix before being misused in Houston, Chriss was never in a position to succeed.

His first season with the Warriors has given us yet another case of “right player, wrong team” in the NBA. The situation a player is in can have a giant impact on their performance level and it seems all Chriss needed was a change of scenery.

Chriss has been playing solid all year long for the Warriors but it wasn’t until the front office traded Willie Cauley-Stein that we saw Chriss take a significant leap forward. The former All-Rookie has made the most of his increased role.

Starting in each of his last nine games, Chriss is averaging 14.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He is finally capitalizing on his athletic ability as a defender, blocking 15 shots in his last six games.

The Warriors’ free-flowing offense and team-oriented system have brought out the best in Chriss. Slashing to the rim and receiving timely passes has helped him connect on 62.7 percent of his attempts during this stretch.

This run from Chriss is intriguing but there is no telling how long he will keep this up. If Chriss is able to maintain this level of play over a long period of time, he will undoubtedly be one of the team’s most important members next season.

At his best, Chriss could be a starter for the Warriors. Pairing his slashing ability alongside Andrew Wiggins is pure excitement as these two will have free lanes to the hoop once the sharpshooting duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson return.

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