Scouting Report: Marquese Chriss

Name: Marquese Chriss DOB: 7/2/1997 (18) School: Washington

Height: 6’10 Weight: 233 Projected Position: PF

Wingspan: 7’0.25 Standing Reach: 8’9

2015-16 Stats:

13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.6 bpg, 2.0 tpg (24.9 minutes per game)

53.0 FG%, 68.5 FT%, 35.0 3FG%, 58.5 TS%, 56.1 eFG%

24.1 USG%, 9.6 ORB%, 11.6 DREB%, 10.7 TRB%, 5.8 BLK%

SKILLS & ATHLETIC BREAKDOWN

Offense

Post Offense

While his versatile offense was more on display as the season went on, Chriss still played a good deal in the low post, using his physical ability to find mismatches. Chriss isn’t a very physical post player, and he doesn’t mind if he gets pushed away a bit from the basket, as he often had a skill and/or athletic advantage against other power forwards. Still, he does a good job getting low and wide to seal off his man, setting a good target for an entry pass. Chriss is able to set up on either block and make a move over either shoulder, though he is much more effective when setting up on the left block, especially going over his right shoulder, where he shows a very good drop step, as well as the ability to make a quick dribble move to the rim or knock down mid-range jumpers. On the other hand, Chriss has some problems with what might be considered “traditional” post moves, especially a being able to use a short hook after a couple of dribbles into the lane. His game is all about creating athletic or size mismatches, but his low post game is still raw in ways. Chriss’ ability to face up and knock down jumpers or beat his man off the dribble is where he can thrive, though, no matter what kind of move he is making, there is almost a frantic style to it, where the line between being in or out of control is a fine one.

Chriss does show very good footwork when he is in control, making quick moves and almost gliding to the basket. Also, he does a very good job of going right at defenders, using his body well to create enough separation to get his shot off, as well as absorbing contact and still finding ways to finish. One area where he hasn’t shown much is in his ability to consistently finish with his left hand, though it does appear at times. Chriss is a good option in pick-and-roll sets, opening up well and using long strides to get to the rim quickly to finish. He is such a quick leaper that often it is a good idea to just throw the ball up towards the rim and let him go get it for the finish. Chriss is also great in cutting situations, especially basket cuts off of penetration; however, if he flashes to the middle or baseline, he hasn’t shown great touch on short jumpers, and his frantic style could force him into bad shots or control issues. Chriss isn’t much of a passer out of the low post, though he doesn’t often command double-teams that make it necessary. Still, he needs to do a better job seeing the floor, being a bit more patient, and seeing where there are open teammates, before just hastily making a move with little thought to what lies ahead. You don’t want to temper his athletic instincts, but it will just be a next step in his development to understand the game better.

Perimeter Shooting

While Chriss was inconsistent as a freshman, there is a lot to like about his shooting ability. He is good as a spot shooter, getting into his motion off the catch, and showing a smooth motion and release. Chriss has close to NBA range already, and he loves setting up for the corner three. He is also a very good mid-range shooter, whether spotting up off the pick-and-pop, or facing up out of the low post. Chriss does need to watch a tendency to fade away on some jumpers, especially when there isn’t a defender closing in on him. Chriss did attempt to shoot of the dribble at times last season, but he doesn’t have the consistency yet, though the ability should develop quickly with his ballhandling ability and ability to create separation.

Ballhandling/Penetration

Chriss is an average ballhandler, though good for his size. Chriss uses both hands well, and can attack the basket in either direction, though he can get a bit sloppy, especially when trying to go outside his comfort zone. His ballhandling skills are fairly straightforward, but he shows very good footwork as he tries to maneuver around defenders. Control can be an issue at times, as he has a tendency to have his mind set on a certain move or path, even if defenders step in, but his agility should allow him to develop skills to avoid this down the road. When in control, Chriss is a very good finisher around the basket, even if he still needs to develop his left hand a bit more. His bounce and quick leaping ability allow him to pull off moves that many others wouldn’t think of. As in the post, Chriss uses his body well to create separation for his shot, but he also has no problem going right at a defender, drawing contact, and using his athletic ability to still find ways to get his shot off.

Free Throw Shooting

While showing a somewhat impressive shooting stroke from long-range, it didn’t translate to the free throw line for Chriss, but there is hope that he will improve, as the issues seem minor. There is very little movement in his free throws, including from his legs, where he barely bends his knees. On top of that, he hesitates a bit before he releases the ball, so when the components of the shot are put together, it comes out very flat, and there is little chance he will get a generous bounce, meaning he needs to be pretty much on-target, His free throw rate, around 38 percent, wasn’t spectacular, but he did a very good job drawing fouls when setting up in the post, or looking to attack the basket. Chriss’ athletic ability and long strides can be difficult for many defenders, causing them to foul, even if not always shooting fouls.

More from Hoops Habit

Defense

Perimeter Defense (On/Off Ball)

Chriss has many of the tools to be a good perimeter defender, but, like many young players, there is a lot of work to do to reach his potential as a defender. On the ball, he generally positions himself well, with a good defensive stance, though he needs to make sure to use his length to his advantage and not keep his arms down near his sides. His lateral movement can be good, especially over short distances, but he often gets matched up against smaller, quicker players, and ends up playing on his heels, making it tough for him to change directions quick enough to stop the ballhandler, even though, generally, he reacts well to his man’s movements. Now, just because a player gets by him, doesn’t mean he is in the clear, as Chriss has the ability to make up ground quickly, and he is a tremendous shot blocker, even when closing from behind. He can be a bit slow to close on shooters, though his length can often be enough to disrupt a shot, if he makes the effort to get out. Off the ball, Chriss moves fairly well, especially when playing passing lanes, and he does a good job using his length to deny passing lanes. His positioning can use work, as he tends to wander a lot, running around frantically to try and make plays, but he does show good instincts, allowing him to anticipate and jump passing lanes when he keeps his proper position.

Post Defense/Help Defense

Chriss was a decent low post defender, though, physically, he had some difficulties with stronger players. Chriss positions himself well between his man and the basket, but he gives little resistance in trying to hold his ground. He reacts fairly well to his man’s movements, and he moves his feet well, but offensive players have little trouble backing him down to where they are right at the basket. Chriss has shown very good awareness, and can be a very good help defender, moving quickly into position to make a play around the rim. Chriss is an excellent shot blocker, showing great timing and extension, though he has a tendency to try and make a spectacle out of blocking the shot and should learn to make the block and try to keep it in play, or, even better, directing towards a teammate. Even so, he is a threat around the rim, and can make plays on the ball when he doesn’t seem to be capable. Chriss can be a good pick-and-roll defender, hedging well on the ballhandler, getting wide to contain, and doing a good job recovering to his man.

Rebounding

Chriss is a force on the offensive boards, using his combination of athletic ability and skill to outmaneuver and make plays. He tracks the ball well and is such a quick leaper, even on second jumps, that he can get to balls often before the defense can react. Chriss is aggressive when hitting the offensive glass, and he is a major threat to make a play even when on the perimeter. He is quick to get second shots off, and though he may rush, at times, and miss some easy shots, if a defender doesn’t put a body on him, he will try and dunk on them. Chriss doesn’t show the same energy or ability on the defensive end, though he wasn’t often in position to make plays on the defensive boards, guarding on the perimeter often.

Transition

Chriss runs the floor very well for his size, and he can be a fantastic scorer on the break from the wings. He has very good speed and his long strides carry him down the floor quickly. Chriss’ shooting ability can allow him to spot up behind the arc in transition, or if a defender comes out to play him, he can make a run for the rim, where his leaping ability allows him to finish on even poorly thrown lobs. Handling the ball on the break is a different story, and if he gets sped up, or a defender closes on him hard, he is apt to lose control, often with a turnover as a result, but he is a capable enough ballhandler that if he can get out in front of the defense, he can push it quickly and finish before the defense can recover.

Intangibles/Summary

Chriss was a revelation throughout his freshman year, not only showing the athleticism which was expected, but also showing a versatile skill set for his size. His offense, both on the perimeter and in the post, is still a bit raw, but he creates mismatches with is size and athletic ability, and he shows an aggressive side which has paid off early for him. Chriss is best in the low post when he can face up, allowing him to knock down jumpers or drive by his man, and his shooting stroke can be extended beyond the arc, where he has the potential to be a better shooter than the numbers showed last year. Chriss is a difference maker on the offensive glass, using his length and quick leaping ability to make plays before others can react, and he has that drive to try and make a play for the rebound no matter where he seems to be on the floor. Defensively, Chriss has a lot of potential, given his physical abilities, but is still definitely a work-in-progress. While he should be able to defend multiple positions down the road, right now the focus should be on shoring up his fundamentals. Chriss hasn’t shown the rebounding ability on defense that he does on offense, but he can be a valuable rim protector, whether looking to help while defending around the rim, or chasing down an offensive player from behind to make a play. Chriss runs the floor well, and can be a spectacular finisher when he gets some space. Chriss is still more potential than player, but his physical ability will still help him be a contributor while he develops the different parts of his game.

Draft Value: Mid-Late Lottery – #6-13

Chriss is one of those players who impressed me more and more as I went back to watch him. Good size, physically gifted, and a decent skill set for his age, all combine to make him an intriguing long-term prospect. Chriss will be able to stretch the floor with his shooting, as well as run the floor with teams that like to push the pace, on top of being an added rim-protecting presence. It will take a couple of years, but he could end up being a long-time NBA starter.

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