Marquese Chriss Suffers Ankle Injury vs. Grizzlies

Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss left Thursday's NBA Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to an ankle injury.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe first noted the player favoring his left ankle and being helped off the court. Washburn later added that the injury seemed worse than a tweaked ankle as he was immediately brought out of the arena.

The Suns announced Chriss suffered a sprained left ankle and would not return. 

Chriss was one of the most polarizing prospects in last June's draft. Gifted with elite athleticism and two-way potential, he fell to No. 8 because of concerns over his rawness and lack of production at the collegiate level.

"Man, he's tough," Phoenix assistant coach Nate Bjorkgren said, per Jason Lieser of the Seattle Times. "He gets his wingspan out there, and he's moving his feet. You know what else he does? He follows game plans very well. I love coaching him. You tell him something and he does it. Big-time future."

He ended up performing well, appearing in all 82 games while averaging 9.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In an unimpressive class, this was enough to earn him a spot on the All-Rookie team.

However, the latest injury could force him out for at least the remainder of the summer league and possibly beyond. Rookie Josh Jackson and second-year player Dragan Bender could end up getting more playing time in Chriss' absence.