Although injuries have ravaged the Golden State Warriors, opportunities for younger players have opened up across the rotation. With playing time available, the rise of Marquese Chriss has turned into a bright spot in Golden State’s rocky season.
Between injuries to Kevon Looney and the trade of Willie Cauley-Stein to the Dallas Mavericks, Chriss has cemented himself as the lead big man in Golden State for the 2019-20 season.
Since late January, the Washington Husky product has started 18 games for the Warriors. Prior to the schedule getting put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chriss was averaging 13.2 points per game on 59.1% shooting from the field with 9.3 rebounds in his last 10 contests. The former lottery pick recorded six double-doubles over that span.
After flourishing in a featured role, the Warriors have high hopes for their former training camp invitee. According to Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle, Golden State views Chriss as a building block for the future.
Via The San Francisco Chronicle:
Golden State views Chriss as a potential franchise building block, whose knack for rim-running, passing and interior defense makes him an ideal fit in its system. The front office is so optimistic about his future, according to multiple sources, that it would be comfortable entering next season with him as the starting center.
While they’re slated to have an early lottery pick in the 2020 draft, Golden State could be tempted to add a top center prospect like James Wiseman or Onyeka Okongwu. However, continued impressive play from Chriss could point the Warriors to draft outside of the frontcourt.
If the Warriors are available to return for the remainder of the 2020 season, Chriss will have 17 games left on the calendar to prove he deserves the title of future starting center.
