In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).  While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.

The Suns drafted a power forward with the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft, but they weren't finished filling out their roster. They traded a few picks and the rights to Bogdan Bogdanovic for the eighth overall pick, and took another power forward. It is the biggest position of need for the Suns, and they did a great job upgrading during the draft.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Marquese Chriss

Position: PF

Team: Phoenix Suns

Draft Spot: 1.08

Analysis: The Suns had already drafted Dragan Bender, but they were still in the business for another potential power forward. The Kings, who owned the eighth overall pick, were also said to be shopping the pick. Ultimately, the Suns unloaded a few picks and the draft rights to Bogdan Bogdanovic for the eighth pick. They selected Marquese Chriss, who was seen as the last player available in the second tier.

Even though Chriss was selected four picks after Dragan Bender, he’ll likely have an easier time finding minutes this season, because he can also conceivably see time on the wing. However, he is far from an NBA ready prospect. There were questions about Chriss’ rebounding potential coming into the NBA Draft, but he answered those questions while averaging 9.0 rebounds per game in the Summer League. He also averaged 10.0 points per game, but he didn’t contribute in any other categories. Chriss is certainly a work in progress, but he will likely have stretches this season where he catches fire and dominates. He is only worth a late round flier in deep re-draft leagues, as even if he were to take a major role, fouls will likely limit his minutes.

Chriss’s dynasty league potential is significantly better than his re-draft league outlook. Simmons and Ingram will likely be the best two players coming out of this draft, but Chriss has the ability to be the third best player even though he wasn’t selected until the eighth pick. Chriss will need to limit his fouling in the NBA, as he averaged 6.5 fouls per 40 minutes at Washington. He also had impressive 22.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.6 blocks per 40 minutes in his only season in college. Chriss has elite athleticism mixed with great size and a solid jump shot. There will certainly be some growing pains with Chriss, but he could quickly become an elite fantasy option if he continues to progress at the same rate he did in college.

Bottom Line: Could immediately produce some points, rebounds, and blocks if he sees minutes. Might struggle with turnovers, 3P%, and FG%. Won't start right away. Possibly worth a late round flier in deep leagues based on some upside potential.