Chriss has shot at Rookie of the Year Point Guard U?
A month or so ago, Suns coach Earl Watson said forward Marquese Chriss could make a run for NBA Rookie of the Year with a strong finish.
So what does a strong finish look like?
“Just double-doubles," Watson said. "Him scoring, rebounding, field-goal percentage. There is not a rookie that is running away with that with high-volume scoring, so it’s just consistently scoring. Double-doubles I think will be the key.”
The 76ers’ Joel Embiid appeared a lock to win the award until he was ruled out for the season in late February because of a knee injury.
Embiid still could win the award, with the 76ers’ Dario Saric and the Bucks' Malcolm Brogdon among those in contention.
It’s a stretch to think that Chriss could win it, but he’s inserted himself on the periphery of the conversation.
Chriss’ shooting has improved, as has his defense, Watson said.
According to NBA.com, Chriss is ninth among rookies in fieldgoal percentage (.442), eighth in scoring (8.1), sixth in rebounding (3.7), fourth in blocks and tied for seventh in steals.
Asked what’s led to Chriss’ improvement, Watson replied, “He’s one day closer to 20 years old.”
Chriss doesn’t turn 20 until this summer.
“He’s come so far from his development from summer league until now,” Watson said. “We’re are excited about where he is going. He is becoming a big-time shot blocker at the rim. He is shooting the 3 better.
“You can tell he’s starting to get past that rookie wall.”
The University of Arizona prides itself on the number of point guards it’s produced, but Watson considers another Pac-12 school Point Guard University.
Yes, it’s his alma mater, UCLA.
“I don’t think their list really matches when you talk about point guards over the last 30 years, UCLA to Arizona,” he said.
Watson also pointed out that the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook was the Most Valuable Player in the All-star Game and the Timberwolves’ Zach LaVine has been in the dunk contest. Both went to UCLA. “And another pretty good point guard coming out this year,” Watson said, referring to Lonzo Ball. “So it’s continuing to get back where it’s supposed to be.”
Watson wouldn’t mind seeing a rematch of UCLA and Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins beat the Wildcats this season, and Watson won some bets with a few of his players.
“Those guys owe me some money from the last couple games, but somehow they never have their wallet when I ask for it,” he said. “I tell them at least my kids will always be rich because they’re going to owe me forever.”
Watson hasn’t filled out a bracket yet, and might now.
“I just like to watch the games,” he said. “I’m big into grassroots basketball. You see all these tournaments, all these kids and there’s so much talent. Only so many can get to the high D-1 schools. That’s why you have all the upsets, the mid-majors, the lower majors, there are still a lot of talented players.”
Injury report
Center Alex Len returned Wednesday night after missing two games with a hip contusion. Guard Brandon Knight was ruled out because of back spasms, but he hasn’t played since the All-Star break.