Chriss too valuable to be protector

The Suns have had a physical month. Entering Friday’s contest against Oklahoma City, they had tangled with the opposition four times in nine games. In nearly every one, Marquese Chriss had been involved.

Chriss isn’t trying to prove anything; it’s just who he is. The rookie forward said this week he just grew up that way – a basketball player with a football mindset. On the football field, Chriss played defensive end, tight end and safety. He was physical and talked trash because he felt both provided an edge.

He feels it can do the same in the NBA.

“Playing football is a little different because you can talk more mess and nobody can see your face to see what you’re saying, and you can get your getback sooner because you’re allowed to hit people,’’ Chriss said. “I’m trying to translate it to basketball in the most productive way I can. I’m a natural trash talker, and I try to use it to my advantage. At the same time, I can’t let it take me away from my own game.”

After Tuesday’s loss in Memphis – in which Grizzlies veteran Vince Carter was ejected for elbowing guard Devin Booker in the head – coach Earl Watson said Phoenix needed to look into getting a protector as soon as possible. His view: Too many teams were taking advantage of the young Suns. Given his never-back-down nature, Chriss, 19, would seem a candidate for such a role, once he got more experience.

Except for one thing: He’s too valuable.

“Someone has to protect Marquese,’’ Watson said. “He’s going to be one of our top players.”

To Watson, a protector is an X-factor, one who makes opponents think twice about taking liberties against the team’s offensive stars. Michael Jordan had Charles Oakley. Kobe Bryant had Ron Artest. Not too long ago, Steve Nash had Raja Bell.