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NBA Rookie Rankings: Joel Embiid begins ‘The Process’

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands for the national anthem prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands for the national anthem prior to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) boxes out Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) and guard Evan Turner (1) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) boxes out Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) and guard Evan Turner (1) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous: . marquese chriss. 4. team. 66. .

The Suns spent the 2016 NBA Draft adding to their frontcourt at power forward. They already had Tyson Chandler and Alex Len at center, but with the Morris twins having been out of Phoenix since last season, they didn’t have much to replace them. So, first round picks were spent on Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.

Through five games, it’s become clear that Chriss has the edge in playing time over Bender. The Washington product hasn’t lit up the stat sheet yet, but has a steady 7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 16 minutes played.

It’s going to be a process for Chriss to develop and potentially hit the Amar’e Stoudemire ceiling that got placed on him. This is a lofty expectation, sure, but the athleticism and size are there to fit the mold. He just needs to receive the proper time to grow, which will be something to watch throughout the season for the rebuilding Suns. It’s a good insurance policy if Bender doesn’t pan out as well.

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