Marquese Chriss might be establishing himself as the Warriors’ starting center
October 2020: that is the date in the minds of the Golden State Warriors. That date, coincidentally, will mark the start of next season, when the Warriors are presumably back at full health, ready to show the rest of the league exactly what they have been missing.
They’ll embark on that quest with their long-awaited starting lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and...who remains the final piece of the puzzle?
The aforementioned names are locked in to lead this next phase of Warriors basketball, but the remaining starter, namely the starting center, is a void that hasn’t been filled. Not officially at least. Golden State can answer that question when June’s NBA Draft comes around, or perhaps when the clock officially strikes during free agency.
Or...perhaps they already have their starting center on the roster?
If that is the case, then the Warriors can look back at the month of February as justification for that belief. In the recent month of basketball, Marquese Chriss has put on a clinic that could result in him starting opening night next season.
Warriors fans must look past the team record and focus on the growth and development of the young pieces, especially Chriss in particular. After jumping from team to team, Marquese Chriss found himself with the Warriors, only to be waived to sign Damion Lee to a guaranteed deal.
On waivers, the rest of the league chose to pass on Chriss giving him an opportunity, and he then returned to Golden State and made the most of the league’s mistake.
Against the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, Chriss totaled 19 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of playing time. He’s scored double-digits in 11 of his last 13 games. And in the month of February alone, he’s averaging 15 pts, eight rebounds, and two blocks (per Anthony Slater of The Athletic).
What has been especially impressive, aside from the numbers, is how Marquese Chriss has adapted and ingrained himself into the Warriors’ system. Grabbing rebounds, throwing down lobs, and chipping in where necessary. In a way, he’s filling the similar role that was once held by JaVale McGee.
Only Marquese Chriss is younger, more athletic, and still boasts more potential. That spells good news for a Warriors team aiming back to get into contention.
It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see Chriss as the starting center come next season. A year ago Steve Kerr went with Damian Jones as the starting big. As long as Chriss continues to excel in his role, maximizing the part he has to play in this system, there’s no reason not to believe he can win the starting job.
And if that is the case, it could have implications for this coming summer as well.
The Warriors will have a top lottery pick in the coming draft, and there is a likelihood they could end up with the number one overall pick. The coming draft class hasn’t exactly exhibited confidence in the eyes of many.
The same goes for James Wiseman, a potential candidate for the number one pick, who also happens to be a 7’1” center.
Much like the Andrew Wiggins trade helped solve the Warriors’ need for a starting wing, Marquese Chriss could help with the need for a starting center. Does Chriss’ promise allow the Warriors to get more creative in the draft? Could they pass on the likes of Wiseman, and target other prospects in a guard-heavy draft class instead?
Prior to Chriss’ breakthrough, Golden State may not have had that luxury.
It is also key to remember what the “starting center” position entails for Steve Kerr. Rewind a few years back and though Javale McGee might have found himself in the starting spot, down the stretch and into crunch time Kerr would call on the likes of Kevon Looney or someone more experienced alongside Curry, Klay, and Draymond.
Just because Chriss could be the starting center next season, does not necessarily assume winning those minutes late in the fourth quarter.
But for Kerr and this Warriors style of basketball, having a starting center who can provide the type of spark to establish the right momentum at the onset of games is vital.
That solution may very well be Marquese Chriss, but before we have a definitive answer, we have the remainder of the season to digest as a sample size. By season’s end, there is a possibility we may discover who will round out the starting lineup come next season.