Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns midseason grades

By Adam Maynes

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: The Phoenix Suns huddles before the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: The Phoenix Suns huddles before the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marquese Chriss

SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 12: Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 12, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 12: Marquese Chriss #0 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 12, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Had the team’s midseason been two weeks ago, I would have given Marquese Chriss a D.

Then December 20, came around and Chriss seemed to have had a light turn on. Apparently several players and coaches have been working with him to calm him down and to use his inner competitive fire for good, and not bad.

Since that day Chriss seems like a different player. More regularly scoring in double-figures, playing more minutes than at any point in the season, not complaining (quite as vehemently) about fouls called or not called, thus keeping him in games. Chriss is now letting fans and the franchise peer into the talent that lays behind the rough exterior, and if fully realized, the kind of player that can be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.

I am yet to fully say that he has arrived and want to see this results for the rest of the season, see him keep in shape during the offseason, and show next season a stabilization of his attitude and growth in his skills.

But he might finally be on that path.

Midseason Grade: C

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