DECEMBER 21: The Mavericks have officially signed Chriss to his 10-day deal, according to the team (Twitter link). It will run through December 30.
DECEMBER 20: The Mavericks, having agreed to a deal with Theo Pinson, will also sign free agent forward/center Marquese Chriss to a contract via a hardship exception, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).
Chriss, 24, was selected eighth overall in the 2016 draft by the Suns, but was traded from Phoenix to Houston after just two seasons. He played for the Rockets and Cavaliers in the 2018/19 season, then found a home in Golden State for the ’19/20 campaign, averaging 9.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 1.1 BPG in 59 games (20.3 MPG) for the Warriors.
Chriss projected to be a rotation player for the Dubs again last season, but broke his right fibula just two games into the season, ending his year. He was subsequently traded to San Antonio and waived.
The Trail Blazers signed Chriss to a non-guaranteed contract this fall, but he was beaten out by Dennis Smith Jr. for the last spot on the team’s regular season roster and was cut again.
The Mavs have two players in the health and safety protocols and a few other players dealing with injuries or non-COVID illnesses, so adding Pinson or Chriss will help them fill out the back of their active roster in the short term. Neither deal will count against the team’s cap.
Appreciated his time on the Warriors.
It’s debatable as to if replacing Marquese with a Stretch-5 in Nemanja Bjelica has actually improved the team.
With James Wiseman out, you would think the team would want another traditional Center to split the Minutes with Kevon Looney.
Still think the team could use another 7-Footer, for the few games they have to play against guys like Gobert, Ayton, Embiid, etc.
Maybe Robin Lopez gets bought out by Orlando if they can’t trade him by the February deadline?
By the time buyout season starts, Wiseman (hopefully) will be back and can fill those minutes. I’m not particularly keen on cutting any of the current 15 man main squad to make room for someone. Maybe Lee? Not sure how that would play with Steph…
Warriors have the best team defensive rating in the NBA right now. And by far.
No need to pick up a defensive Presence at Center for now. Perhaps when the playoffs come Wiseman will be able to guard the likes of Ayton and Jokic etc for spurts with green and Looney. Right now though the defense is best in the league.
MERRY CHRISS-MAS to the Dallas Mavericks !!