The cataclysmic three way scrub battle between Jesus Chriss Superstar, Hartenstein's Monster, and Average Zhou over the minutes left vacant by Nenê's age-induced erectile dysfunction rages on through the courts of the Toyota Center and beyond this preseason, leaving the denizens of ClutchFans hopeful yet uncertain regarding the future of the frontcourt. But what of the three contestants? I present the pros and cons of each member of the towering tri-racial triumvirate. Marquese Chriss (22): The Disgraced Draft Dud 2017-18 Stats (NBA): 21 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 6.6 FGA (4.0 2PA, 2.6 3PA), 48% EFG (51% 2PT%, 29.5% 3PT%), 61% FT% (2.2 FTA), 5.5 TRB, 1.2/1/5 AST/TOV, 1.0 BLK Pros: By far the most athletic of the bunch, possessing superior lateral quickness to complement an impressive vertical leap The only player of the three to possess substantial NBA playing time Only player of the three to match Capela in athletic gifts, allowing him to take advantage of CP and James in the P&R Perhaps playing with actual passers unlocks his offensive gifts? Cons: Questionable instincts on both sides of the floor Received playing time on the second worst and worst team in the NBA by record in his two years Sub-par length for his height (7' 0" at 6' 10"), severely limiting rim protection capabilities as well as defensive rebounding Sub-par length = small hands (for his height), reducing the margin of error for entry passes, especially in traffic, compounded by meh length. Poor FT shooter (61%), a discouraging sign for future shooting skills Conclusion: from a 1/10 scale, he rates a solid Stromile Swift/Terrence Jones. Isaiah Hartenstein (20): The Enigmatic Euro 2017-18 Stats (G-League): 18.7 MPG, 9.5 PPG, 6.3 FGA (5.3 2PA, 0.9 3PA), 57% EFG% (61% 2PT%, 34% 3PT%), 68.5% FT% (2.9 FTA), 6.6 TRB, 1.2/1.4 AST/TOV, 1.1 BLK Pros: The youngest of the three by nearly two whole years, Possesses the highest FT% of the contestants, while still below NBA average, it bodes the best for NBA-level shooting According to tweets out of training camp, he shows promise defending on the perimeter during possessions against CP and Harden. If true, such defensive instincts rank tops of the three. I reserve the right to revise this statement if such reports prove inaccurate At 250 pounds, Hartenstien's bulk assists him in finishing through contact, provided fat comprises little of his weight. Cons: Sub par length (7', 2.25" at 7' 0" without shoes) reduces efficacy in blocking shots and defensive rebounding While longer than Chriss, hands may prove an issue on offense. Subject this statement to any future performance (or lack thereof) in receiving passes. Not a stiff, but talents in lateral movement remains an unknown. Conclusion: out of a 1/10 scale, he rates a Donatas Montejunas/Mason Plumlee Zhou Qi (22): The (really) Long Shot: 2017-18 Stats (G-League): 25.9 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 8.4 FGA (4.9 2PA, 3.5 3PA), 58% EFG% (63.6 2PT%, 33.3% 3PT%), 56.4 FT% (2.3 FTA), 6.3 TRB, 1.1/1.8 AST/TOV, 2.3 BLK Pros: 7',8" Wingspan See above Damn he's long Decent shot blocking instincts By far the best rim protector of the three, even if reduced to only weak-side shot-blocking. Length compensates for quickness disadvantage on perimeter, giving a much higher margin of error. Quite nimble for his height Showed much improvement from year one to year two in conditioning and mentality Cons: Already 22 years old and very raw to this day, did he come over from China too late to develop timely and break bad CBA habits? While absolutely ripped, despite noticeable gains, he lacks the lower body strength to stand his ground and prevent flailing on offense from contact. Alarmingly poor rebounder for his size and length, even for a perimeter-oriented big. Despite massive wingspan, hands remain a question, will he ever be able to use his length to catch passes in traffic? Not a very vertical athlete Conclusion: out a scale of 1/10, he rates a Byron Mullens/Channing Frye
I hope Chriss and Isaiah make it a tough decision. Both have looked good enough so far. Chriss has the higher ceiling, Isaiah the higher floor. Joe has no chance.
Hartenstein looks really damn good. I think once he gets a little more comfortable and relaxed he will be an excellent backup big. Damn Morey is amazing
Chriss has all the atributes but zero brain and motor, it's too bad he actually fits the team so well if he wasn't so behind with his brain
I was pretty high on him but wow...seen so many moving screens and boneheaded plays this game. Also, he's got an attitude/mean streak about him but doesn't channel it in a positive way like Tucker. Still very early so not going to give up hope yet but...guess we're starting to see why PHX gave up on him so early into his career.
5 centers is a waste of roster spots (in today's NBA). Please get rid of some of these scrubs! Do something Morey!
Chriss looks dreadful, he makes Terrence Jones look like Patrick Beverley with his "effort". I hope Zhou Qi can teach Chriss some mandarin on his way out, he'll need it.
Way too early, for this thread. Chriss is inconsistent. Hartenstein was okay, but it's been one game. Don't even know what Zhou can do. And Caboclo barely played. imo, if we're really only going off what we've seen so far, Caboclo is the guy.
I was about to say that. You wrote that Chriss was severely limited at rim protection and then 5 minutes later he has 4 blocks in the 1st half.
Isn't Chriss on that 1-month deal? If Harden and CP were really struggling getting Chriss on a pocket pass or lob, I don't think he'll last here. For as many attempts I saw of them trying to set him up and as painful as it was to watch Harden forcefeed him the ball, Chriss scored only 2 baskets. The kid doesn't look like he knows where and how he wants to receive the pass - no sign of him communicating with James or CP. I don't know if he's able to play or fit in a system. For a former Suns player, it looks like he never watched old tape of Amare. With that said, there is some fault on James at least as a passer trying to forcefeed. I expect the same focus to get Chriss the same amount of passes in the next game. Hopefully, he figures it out.
