Marquese Chriss
Marquese Chriss is up in the air as he struggles to find his place with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Marquese Chriss #0 of the Houston Rockets poses for a portrait during the Houston Rockets Media Day at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston on September 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images/Tom Pennington

The name of Marquese Chriss may ring a bell to a select few if mentioned right now. But for those who followed the NBA closely, particularly the Phoenix Suns, Chriss was a player many felt would have a promising professional basketball career with the right team.

As of this writing, he may not be with the right NBA team to move up in rank. Acquired before the NBA trade deadline last month from the Phoenix Suns, Chriss has hardly made an impact with the Cleveland Cavaliers. So far, he has managed to produce 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game according to Basketball Reference.com. Those alone are early warning signs that he has a lot of work ahead if he is to stay in the pro ranks.

The good news is that Chriss has time on his side. He is only 21 years old but has shown in the past that he can be an asset to any team if he plays with the right mix. In Phoenix, Chriss made a name for himself when he became the youngest cager to amass 100 blocks, 100 steals and 100 three-pointers last season, the Bright Side of the Sun pointed out.

One can only imagine how an in-form Chriss can be of use to the Cavs if fielded in and given the chance to strut his wares. While he is understandably still trying to fit in, he does not have the luxury of time to show head coach Larry Drew in company that he can be one of the future stars in Cleveland.

If there is one former Cavalier that Chriss can look up to, it would be Rodney Hood. Everyone knows how the 26-year-old found himself in the doghouse, playing behind LeBron James and J.R. Smith. While he improved this season, his rediscovered his old form when he suited up for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Could Hood's story be best for the 8th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft? That may all depend on the opportunities he would get. The best thing he can do for now is make the most out of the minutes given to him and show Drew and company that he can play pro ball.

The best he can expect after the 2018-19 NBA season is a short-term contract from the Cavs. He could be eventually traded although more of an add-on. If Chriss wants to stay in the NBA, the need to work on his game starts now.

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