NBA: Ranking all 30 starting power forwards for 2017-18

Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images
Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images /
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28. Skal Labissiere, Sacramento Kings

Ironically enough, the player just ahead of Marquese Chriss is Skal Labissiere, one of the players the Suns included in their 2016 draft-day trade with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Chriss in the first place. Though he only suited up in 33 games as a rookie, Skal was much less of a defensive liability and showed he has a higher floor in that limited action.

Averaging 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game, Lab shot 53.7 percent from the field and came alive after the All-Star break — including a memorable 32-point, 11-rebound performance against Chriss and the very team that passed on his potential.

Labissiere is not guaranteed a starting spot, and in fact may start the year coming off the bench behind Dave Joerger’s former power forward, Zach Randolph. But as the losses quickly pile up, it’s only a matter of time before the Kings give this youngster more run time.