2016-17 NBA Awards Season: Top 10 Rookie Of The Year Candidates

Mar 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) passes off past Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) and forward Dario Saric (9) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 112-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 21, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Miami Heat defeat the Phoenix Suns 112-97. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Marquese Chriss

Marquese Chriss wouldn’t have enjoyed the rookie season he had if he were playing for a halfway decent team. But with the Phoenix Suns going all in on their youth movement and tanking their way to a top draft pick last in the season, Chriss has been able to put up respectable numbers in a starting role.

Averaging 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game, the former No. 8 overall pick ranks eighth in scoring, fifth in rebounds and 11th in minutes among his rookie brethren. He’s also played in all 82 games for the Suns, starting in all but seven of them.

His athleticism is absolutely breathtaking, and though his defense and rebounding need some work moving forward, he’s made steps as a shot-blocker and stretch-4 in recent weeks. Since the All-Star break, Chriss is averaging 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game on promising .498/.360/.615 shooting splits.

With Chriss’ three-point shot coming along and his downright freaky leaping ability on display all season long, Phoenix should feel good about its other 19-year-old rookie. For a guy who’s only been playing basketball for a few years, the sky is the limit for his NBA potential, even with glaring areas for improvement during his rookie year.