Once top10 pick, Chriss could get 2way contract
Warriors trainingcamp invitee Marquese Chriss would be open to signing a twoway contract with Golden State if he has no other options.
“I want to be in the NBA right now,” Chriss, 22, said after practice Wednesday. “I think if it comes down to it, that’s something I’d have to consider, that’s something I’d have to think about, but I just want to make the most of this opportunity and build from it.”
Chriss — a former top10 pick trying to resuscitate his NBA career after bouncing among four teams in three years — has impressed the Warriors early in preseason. With a 7foot wingspan and a 38½inch vertical leap, he could bolster a thin front court.
But because the Warriors don’t have enough room under the hard cap to add a minimum contract, they would have to waive forward Alfonzo McKinnie — their only player on a nonguaranteed deal — to free up a 15man roster spot for Chriss. If Golden State decides it doesn’t want to part ways with McKinnie, it could waive Ky Bowman or Damion Lee and offer that player a twoway contract.
Chriss, however, might hush enough people’s concerns about his attitude in preseason to land a guaranteed deal elsewhere. His size, age and athleticism make him an intriguing backoftherotation option.
“I thank (the Warriors) for bringing me into camp, trusting me and giving me an opportunity to show what I can do,” Chriss said. “Obviously, they’re in a tough situation with their hard cap. But I’m just trying to make the most out of it.
“Whether it be here or somewhere else, I just want to take whatever I learn and build from it to help myself be a better player. Obviously, they know what they’re doing.” Injury updates: After missing two practices with a rolled ankle, rookie guard Jordan Poole will play Thursday night in the Warriors’ preseason game against Minnesota at Chase Center.
Poole, who tweaked his ankle earlier this week, was back in practice Wednesday. In Saturday’s preseason loss to the Lakers, he had 17 points on 5for11 shooting (4for9 from 3point range) in 23 minutes.
Center Kevon Looney (hamstring) and forward Alen Smailagic (ankle) are expected to miss their second straight game Thursday. With Willie CauleyStein (foot) already ruled out through the end of October, the Warriors will have three available centers against the Timberwolves: Omari Spellman, Chriss and trainingcamp invitee Kavion Pippen.