Warriors' Marquese Chriss identifies main goal for next NBA season

Marquese Chriss resuscitated his NBA career with the Warriors during the 2019-20 campaign.

And if his plan comes to fruition, he will jump center for Golden State at the opening tip of games next season.

“I want to start,” Chriss told The Athletic's Marcus Thompson this week. “Right now I’m focused on getting my body right. My main goal is to start. Obviously, Kevon Looney is a hell of a player. And James Wiseman is a hell of a player, too.

"So no matter what, I’m going to do my part for the team and compete.”

Chriss mentioned Wiseman because he is well aware that the Warriors could end up selecting the 7-foot-1 prospect (or another center) with their top-five pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

And Chriss knows how much coach Steve Kerr loves Looney, who was going to have a much bigger role if injuries hadn't derailed his season.

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Additionally, Golden State's front office might acquire a big man during the offseason who is expected to start at the "five."

“I don’t feel complacent at all but I feel more settled than I did last year,” Chriss told Thompson. “Obviously, it helps being on a team where I feel like they have faith in me. They may draft a center. And then all the feelings they have could change.

"If they brought a center in, I’m gonna just do my part and compete. But I love being part of this team. I just want to do my part.”

Chriss -- who turned 23 years old July 2 -- started the Warriors' final 12 games last season, averaging 14.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks, while shooting 61 percent overall and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

The No. 8 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft greatly improved as a defender as well.

[RELATED: Warriors' Chriss earns distinct honor by ESPN's Zach Lowe]

At the very least, Chriss should be a consistent contributor off the bench next year. And if that ends up being the case, the Warriors should be in very good shape.

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