Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Warriors Rumors: Marquese Chriss eyeing a starting gig next season

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 01: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a teammate scored during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 01, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 131-112. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 01: Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after a teammate scored during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 01, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 131-112. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Center Marquese Chriss was thrown to the dogs early on his career. Now, he may have found a permanent home with the Golden State Warriors.

Drafted with the 8th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Marquese Chriss was immediately named the starter for the Phoenix Suns. After a solid rookie season but with declining numbers over the next few years, he was without a market, opting to join the Golden State Warriors.

At this point, the Warriors had been to five straight Finals and were a top title contender. Several injuries later, Chriss had his time to shine throughout the team’s down season, one which may end up as being blessing in disguise.

Chriss, prior to joining Golden State, had stints with the Cavaliers and Rockets. It hasn’t felt like Chriss never had a true NBA home. His first season was more a feel-out year for Chriss who is a mere 23 years old, younger than rookie power forward Eric Paschall.

With age, Chriss has started to find his rhythm. He was given another opportunity when he joined Golden State, and he’s not looking to waste it. Chriss started 21 of the 59 games he saw time in, splitting that starting gig with a myriad of others.

The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson (subscription required) caught up with Marquese Chriss, and he reiterated his desire to be the team’s starter next season.

For Chriss, as it currently stands, it’s his role to lose entering an offseason in which the team could select 7-footer James Wiseman with their guaranteed five-pick in the coming draft. Chriss is one of the only true centers on the team.

That said, the Warriors draft strategy has just felt like smokescreen after smokescreen as many rumors regarding many players have appeared over the last few months. Assuming they’ll take Wiseman at this point is this point just a guess.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

Chriss may fight Dragan Bender and Kevon Looney for the starting center spot, but unless they draft Wiseman or sign a player like Marc Gasol, it should be Chriss’ after a meaningful 2019-2020 season.

Home/Warriors News