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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Joel Embiid Leading The Race Early

By Nathan Grubel

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) looks on against the San Antonio Spurs at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) looks on against the San Antonio Spurs at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marquese Chriss, Phoenix Suns

Marquese Chriss‘ draft position didn’t reflect his immediate impact, at least according to some.

Chriss was viewed as a project with a ton of upside based around his athleticism and shooting at the power forward position.

Turns out he’s actually ready to contribute in a minor role off the bench.

The Suns also selected Dragan Bender earlier in the 2016 draft, but he hasn’t been able to make an impact so far. He struggled in preseason and Summer League, and hasn’t asserted himself in the regular season yet either.

Chriss, meanwhile, has shown flashes regardless of when he’s played. In three regular-season games he’s put up seven points and four rebounds while converting at a relatively efficient rate from the field.

Unfortunately the defensive concerns are still there, as he’s averaged 3.0 fouls per game to start. Chriss doesn’t have a firm understanding of keeping himself out of foul trouble. That’s eaten into his minutes, both in college and now in the pros.

If Chriss wants playing time to develop and grow defense is where he needs to focus first. He’s shown off his jump shot and bounce, but now he needs to work on his defensive awareness.

He still has a ton of upside, especially if he can keep himself on the floor while using his size and length as a rim protector. Phoenix still has a gaping long-term hole at power forward.

Chriss is most likely at this point to slide into the slot later in the season as Jared Dudley prepares for more of a mentoring role.

If he continues to produce and earn valuable minutes he could challenge for Rookie of the Year. He has all the chances for extended playing time as long as he stops fouling at an alarming rate.