Houston Rockets: 3 bold predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

3. Marquese Chriss finally reaches his potential

When he was drafted eighth overall in 2016, Marquese Chriss was immediately met with overwhelming expectations. Suffice it to say, the Washington product failed to meet said expectations as a big man for the Phoenix Suns.

Luckily for him, he’s getting a fresh start with one of the best clubs in the NBA in 2018-19.

This is the perfect opportunity for Chriss to reinvent himself. He needs to take the talents he’s grown and developed over the years, and use them to carve out a role for himself as an underrated part of the Houston rotation.

It’s not like he doesn’t have the backing from the front office.

Even with players like Carmelo Anthony, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela ahead of him on the depth chart, Chriss should enjoy a breakout season of sorts with the Rockets.

Serving as the go-to frontcourt threat off the bench, he’ll use his athleticism and aggressiveness around the rim to make his presence felt.

Is he going to make an All-Star game or suddenly emerge as a can’t-miss starter? No. However, if you’re looking for Chriss to solidify himself as a key cog in the Rockets’ plan for contention, then you best tune in to as many games as possible.

Houston needs a dark horse to elevate their bench unit and Chriss perfectly fits the bill as an overlooked breakout candidate.