Marquese Chriss ended last season on a high note. Does he possess the abilities to replicate that next season with a stronger Warriors team? Kerith Burke and Grant Liffman discuss on the “Runnin’ Plays” podcast
Marquese Chriss entered Warriors training camp last year on a non-guaranteed contract, but earned a spot on the opening night roster after a very solid preseason.
He ended up starting Golden State's final 18 games, averaging 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks over that span.
He absolutely revived his career in a Warriors uniform.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
But one thing he didn't do very well was make 3-pointers. Chriss went 8-for-39 (20.5 percent) from deep over 59 games, and looked reluctant to shoot at times.
Has he been working on his 3-point shot this offseason?
"I always do. Even last season I was working on them," Chriss said Tuesday on 95.7 The Game's "Bonta, Steiny & Guru" show. "I didn't shoot them as much during the season. But every summer, I work on all aspects of my game.
"I can continue to grow in all facets. We're never really fully developed. I just want to continue to keep getting better. That's a part of the game and how it's developing, and catering more towards people shooting 3s."
Golden State Warriors
Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Download and subscribe to the Runnin' Plays Podcast
If Chriss can prove during training camp and next season's preseason slate that he can be somewhat of a threat from beyond the arc, then perhaps coach Steve Kerr gives him the green light to hoist a 3-pointer or two during the regular season if he's wide open.
But the reality is that the 23-year-old's role within the Warriors' offense primarily will be to set screens, roll to the rim and execute dribble handoffs. He is good at that stuff and can earn more playing time if he continues to excel in those areas.
RELATED: Watch healthy Klay hammer emphatic dunk at Warriors practice
Interestingly, Chriss actually shot a lot of 3-pointers his first two NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He went 72-for-224 (32.1 percent) as a rookie and 56-for-190 (29.5 percent) in Year 2.
But it sure looks like Chriss will be able to have a long career in the league even if he never develops a consistent 3-point shot.