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.