Tobias Harris averaged 18.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in 62 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017-18. Even though his offensive production slowed down during the playoffs, he remained a valuable trade asset with his versatile game. While he struggled for consistency on offense during the postseason, Harris is a very good pick-and-roll option and his versatility will help him land a new team.
Tobias Harris averaged 18.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 62 games for the Philadelphia 76ers without Joel Embiid
The rookie hasn’t exactly looked like the future star that the 76ers are looking for. While he has decent physical tools to guard multiple positions, his shooting mechanics are inconsistent. While he does average over seven points per game, Randolph doesn’t shoot well from deep and struggles from the charity stripe. Regardless of his mediocre shooting form, Harris will contribute to the Sixers’ success in the absence of Joel Embiid.
As the Sixers’ starting center, Tobias Harris has struggled at times this season. Despite his high salary, he’s only averaging 18.3 points per game. His shooting percentage is just over 40 percent. However, he has the ability to make 3-pointers and he has the ability to rebound and score in the paint.
Despite the lack of Joel Embiid, Harris has been a great addition for the 76ers. His scoring average is up there with Embiid. The bench has improved dramatically since Embiid’s injury. Although the lack of Joel Embiid has put the Sixers’ starting five on the defensive end, the young bench has added to the rotation.
The Sixers have no obvious starting point guard and need help at nearly every position. They ranked last in the league in rebounding percentage and were next to last in defensive efficiency. In the backcourt, they have an All-Star point guard, but he’s 30 years old and coming off of a serious injury. The rest of the roster is made up of situational players, with only Bryn Forbes, Tre Lyles and Jakob Poeltl expiring contracts.
Harris struggled to find offensive consistency during the playoffs
Despite his excellent defense against Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. in Game 3, Harris failed to reach double-digit rebounds in the series finale. Despite his lack of success in the postseason, Harris averaged 17.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 threes and 1.2 blocks during the first round. His performance was even more concerning in Game 4, as he was called for a charge and given a technical foul. However, Harris’ effort did not lapse during Game 4, and his team needed him to be at his best against Braxton Key.
Harris was a valuable piece for the Cavs last season, playing 51 games. His shooting stroke out of the corner was particularly coveted, and Cavs fans hoped David Griffin had found a diamond in the rough. However, the team acquired J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert during the offseason, and Harris was sent to the team’s D-League affiliate, the Canton Charge.
Though Harris struggled to find offensive consistency in the playoffs, he has remained an effective scorer off the dribble. His 13.1 percent assist rate ranks him in the 86th percentile in the league. His versatility allows him to score on both ends of the court. In Game three, he watched Pascal Siakam pinch in for him and fire his sixth catch-and-shoot three of the series.
Harris has a solid pick-and-roll game
Harris is a reliable pick-and-roll initiator, ranking in the 88th percentile in pick-and-roll possessions last season. His tight handles and array of dribble moves are effective at manipulating drop coverages. His dribbling moves are efficient at changing directions and using defenders’ feet and leverage. However, he has struggled to become a reliable passer.
While Harris can shoot well and is a projectable guard, he does have room for improvement. While Harris’ spot-up shooting has improved in recent years, he still lacks some range. His pick-and-roll game is not as effective if Harris struggles to distribute the ball. Harris is in attack mode the majority of the time, so his focus is on making his way to the basket.
One of the best ways to use Harris’ solid pick-and-roll game is to set screens for his teammates. Dallas Nowitzki will set a high screen on Harris’ right side, and then Phil Pressey will go over it to isolate Kelly Olynyk. Neither player has a defender who can stop Harris. He then gets a foul, and a quick transition to the basket.
Tobias Harris has developed a solid pick-and-roll game and has improved his scoring activity during the playoffs. His three-point range has improved considerably since the start of the season, and he has become comfortable in his new role. With teammates like Joel Embiid and James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers’ pick-and-roll defenses will apply pressure on Harris’ pick-and-roll game. And with a team such as the Toronto Raptors, Harris’ on-ball gravity and floor spacing will be beneficial.
Harris’ trade value is boosted by his versatility
In Philadelphia, the Sixers are trying to include Tobias Harris in any Simmons trade talks. However, finding a team to take on the negative contract and match the salary of the incoming star will be difficult. After all, Harris hasn’t been producing close to his $36 million salary. Therefore, the Sixers will have to make a significant salary cut in order to trade Harris. In addition, his versatility will help bolster his trade value.
Last season, Harris adjusted well to the role of spot-up player in the new Sixers lineup. However, he has a desire for more on-ball minutes. Harris’ competition on the team includes the likes of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. Harrison Barnes, however, is only 0.8 points behind Harris’ average last season despite having fewer touches and shots.
Harris’ contract is worth more than Milton’s
In the NBA, it’s unlikely that Tobias Harris’ contract is worth more than Jamal Milton’s. The Sixers are currently in the midst of evaluating a number of players, and Milton has been the subject of mixed reports over the last few months. While the Sixers have picked up Milton’s player option for the 2022-2023 season, it remains to be seen whether they will trade him in the future.
As a result, a potential trade between the two players would have a sweetener worth more than Harris’ contract. The Sixers may have to sway a third party into a deal to get Harris. However, a trade for Harris would make the 76ers’ front office look good. Harris leads the Sixers in minutes played, field goal percentage, defensive rebounds, and assists, and ranks second in points per game.
The Sixers have a lot of money invested in Tobias Harris. He makes almost 20 times more than Shake Milton, but he hasn’t been nearly as good or valuable as Harris. That’s why a trade for Harris could be worth it to the Sixers. If the Sixers can’t trade Harris, then they should look to deal him. However, there is no reason why Milton should stay, as it won’t help their finances.
Harris has played in 73 of a possible 82 games for the Sixers
Tobias Harris has been a steady contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first full season, Harris averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while logging a career-high 73 starts. His consistency led to him being put into the NBA health protocol after being caught in a contact tracing investigation. However, Harris has not been ruled out of playing in any games.
The 76ers have been dealing with a nagging injury to their star point guard. Harris has missed nine games this season, making him the team’s leading scorer. The injury is the third this season for Harris. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said Friday that Harris is down and having a difficult time coping with it. The Sixers have not announced a date for Harris’ availability for Monday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. They are giving him a two-day break after the Atlanta game, but it is unlikely he will be cleared to play on that day.
While Tobias Harris has not earned an All-Star berth, his value to the Sixers has become clearer after Redick left the team. The Sixers lacked the spacing that Redick provided in his five seasons with the team. With Harris gone, the Sixers are missing a key piece of their lineup. He averaged 17.6 points per game with the Sixers, the highest of his career. While his injury-prone nature can hamper his development, Harris’ 82-game streak is a testament to his hard work.
