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4 Golden State Warriors that must prove they aren’t expendable this season

By Nathan Beighle

February 23, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) talks to guard Andrew Wiggins (22, right) during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 23, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) talks to guard Andrew Wiggins (22, right) during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Marquese Chriss

Another player that needs to step up and show that he can contribute this season is Marquese Chriss. Chriss was signed last season then converted to a two-way contract when players like Damion Lee and Ky Bowman showed more value to that current roster.

Now, Chriss is on a roster that is seeing Curry return and the addition of Oubre Jr. and Bazemore. Simply, the Warriors need a center, and Chriss is one.

He provides solid upside as a scorer and rebounder. However, he’s a natural power forward, a position Golden State is loaded at. He’s never been an overly great rebounder, failing to hit over seven per game even in the three seasons he was allotted over 20 minutes per game.

Chriss averaged 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 20.3 minutes last season. He saw time in 59 games and is expected to see similar usage this season.

He’ll be competing with Kevon Looney and James Wiseman, the team’s No. 2 overall pick. Chriss needs to show that he has a greater value and a higher upside. Given that he’s just 23 and still maturing as a player, he may be able to do just that.

Chriss does have a guaranteed $1.8 million contract that expires at the end of this season, so the team likely wouldn’t just release him, instead, they’d just ride the wave till the season’s end if he can’t find a way to make an impact.

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