March 1 has become the most anticipated day in the 2019-20 season for the Golden State Warriors — the target date of Stephen Curry’s return from injury. However, in the meantime, another member of the Warriors has quietly burst onto the scene.
Since the Warriors traded Willie Cauley-Stein to the Dallas Mavericks, Marquese Chriss has taken over the starting center position and hasn’t let it go.
In 11 games, Chriss is averaging 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game. The Washington Huskies product is shooting 63.4 % from the field while recording two double-doubles in that span.
Golden State’s rookie forward Eric Paschall spoke to reporters about how Chriss has proven he belongs with the Warriors.
Via Warriors SoundCloud:
I feel like Marquese actually proved that awhile ago. We wanted him back for a reason, and I feel like he plays his butt off and does all the right things. I feel like Marquese has definitely proved himself even before this. I’m very happy for him. I feel like he just continues to get better every day.
In the Warriors recent game against the Sacramento Kings, Chriss tallied 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting with 10 rebounds in 25 minutes. Following
Golden State’s previous game against the Kings on January 6, Chriss was waived to open a roster spot for Damion Lee. The Warriors were able to bring back Chriss on a two-way contract a week later, and now he’s on a two-year full-time deal with Golden State.
Paschall spoke about the moment Chriss was waived and how far he’s come with the Warriors.
Of course, it sucked. A guy like that who works so hard, had a real good training camp, played real well in the games and we just couldn’t keep him. But, hearing that he came back, it brought joy to everybody because we saw how good he was, we saw the potential. He was a lottery pick for a reason, and I feel like he’s showing that for sure now.
The former Phoenix Suns lottery pick has earned the starting center position for the remainder of this season. Though, if he continues to build off his solid play, Chriss could be in line for a more significant role once Curry and Klay Thompson return healthy next year.
