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Suns Spotlight: Tough Guy Marquese Chriss

By Matthew Daniels

Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss greets teammates prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss greets teammates prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marquese Chriss is one of the many emerging young players in Phoenix. However, he is also one of the toughest and most energizing players in the league.

Chriss was selected eighth overall in the 2016 NBA draft (traded to Phoenix by Sacramento on draft night) and has already made an impact in the league. Whether by his prolific dunks or his toughness, Chriss has made himself known.

Feb 26, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Referee Tre Maddox separates Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Referee Tre Maddox separates Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Chriss has made his biggest mark with his ability to dish out and take punishment. Chriss has been given his fair share of technical fouls and has engaged in a few scuffles including two with two of the biggest young stars in the NBA in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kristaps Porzingis.

Chriss has made it known that he is not one to be pushed around. He will fight back if touched up and will step in to defend his teammates as well.

While some may say he is being childish, I believe he is carving his place as one of the toughest Suns in team history. In only his rookie season, Chriss is showing some of the same traits shown by Sir Charles and Steve Nash.

Charles Barkley was a physically imposing player. He used his body and his mouth to gain an advantage on the court.

Chriss has been known to talk a good game, and he has also dished out punishment. If Chriss can develop his game to a place where he can score, rebound, and defend consistently, he can use his trash talk and tough play to become one of toughest and most irritating players to guard in the league, a la Sir Charles.

Earlier this season Chriss took part in one of the biggest hits of the year, and he wasn’t the one hitting.

Being able to take hits is a big part of basketball. If you can get up from a huge hit, it boosts your teammates’ energy and intimidates your opponent.

One former Sun could be called a punching bag, although he was a punching bag that struck fear in his opponents. I am of course referring to Steve Nash. Nash was able to take some of the nastiest cuts and continue to play in the game, even winning a playoff game against the spurs with just one healthy eye. With Chriss’ ability to take contact and keep playing, he can provide his entire team with a boost, that in some situations someday soon, will lead to big wins.

Chriss’ future has the potential to be one that is a cornerstone for the Suns for many years. He can become a tank for the team, being able to dish and take contact and double-down with his brash talk.

Couple all of that with his high motor and he can be an instant energizer, energizing his teammates during close situations to give the team a boost. If he plays his cards right and puts in the work, Marquese Chriss is a player we could see in a Suns uniform for a long time.

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