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Marquese Chriss NBA Draft profile. The former Washington Husky forward is projected as high as a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
June 8, 2016A Marquese Chriss NBA Draft profile. The former Washington Husky forward is projected as high as a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Former Washington forward Marquese Chriss played his first organized basketball only five years ago. After breaking his collarbone in an eighth grade football game, Chriss’ mom told him that football was no longer an option. Half a decade later, he is projected to go as high as third overall in the NBA Draft, and is widely viewed as a sure-fire lottery pick.
In just one college season at Washington, Chriss averaged a respectable, but not eye-popping 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. However, he displayed a wide array of skills that fit the prototype for a modern NBA power forward. At 6-foot-9, he can stretch a defense and shoot the three – which he did at an adequate 35 percent – face up and shoot the midrange shot, or put the ball on the floor and get to the basket.
Chriss’ offensive skills are arguably his best strength, but he also impressed NBA suitors with his athleticism. Whether it was pinning a shot against the backboard with two hands, or catching a lob on the fast break or in a half-court set, Chriss made many highlight-reel plays that showcased his vertical leaping ability. At the NBA Combine in Chicago, he registered a “Standing Vert” of 32.5 inches, which is impressive for a big guy. By comparison, just a few years ago, defending NBA dunk champion Zach LaVine registered a Standing Vert of 33.5 inches.
Since Chriss declared for the draft, he has shot up the ranks. Several programs now have him as a top 5 pick. Many teams see the upside in his athleticism and perimeter shooting as too good to pass on – Chriss can throw a football 75 yards, and has been dubbed “likely the best athlete in the draft” by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Sharp.
In spite of his potential, Chriss does have his deficiencies. Given his size and athletic ability, teams would like him to improve his rebounding ability. He logged just six double-doubles last season. Five rebounds per game will not suffice for any NBA power forward who expects to be successful.
Chriss also showed a lack of discipline, as he was whistled for a Pac-12 record 138 fouls. This led to him fouling out of 15 games. Some scouts attribute this to what they believe is a relatively low basketball IQ, due to his lack of experience in an organized setting.
Nevertheless, Chriss is the beneficiary of a draft era where most top professional prospects have unrefined games. Teams pick a player based on promise and how they feel said player can help them a few years down the road. His potential has drawn him comparisons to Jeff Green and Antonio McDyess. The talent is there, and the team that takes a chance on him on draft day needs to play a big role in his development if he is to reach those heights.