Phoenix Suns Las Vegas Summer League Player impressions
By Alex Vairo
The Phoenix Suns’ second first round pick from the 2016 NBA Draft, Marquese Chriss has also made the trip to Vegas for the Summer League. After starting 75 regular season games, many are looking for Chriss to take a Devin Booker-type leap in Summer League heading into his second NBA season.
Putting on more weight this offseason has helped Chriss bang down low with some of the more physical centers in the league. It has also given Chriss the ability to finish at an easier rate under and around the basket. In spite of the added muscle mass, Chriss has been able to retain his explosiveness. In Vegas, Marquese continues to look for ways to abuse the rim.
A discouraging development early in Vegas has been Marquese’s notoriety for fouling. Chriss accumulated nine fouls in the Suns’ first game, one less the the maximum ten allowed and is averaging eight through three games. Most of these fouls were of the indiscipline variety.
Another area of concern with Chriss has been his temperament. The combination of the opposing team and the officials have coerced Marquese into fits of frustration. This makes Chriss a target as he is easily rattled, making poor decisions on the court as a result. Chriss will need to show more composure and self-restraint In order to continue to grow as a player.