Tobias Harris, F, Los Angeles Clippers
Every year Harris gets a little bit better, but last year he took his most significant jump yet. His career year led to him being traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Los Angeles Clippers, something you don’t see a lot. Still, Harris balled out; in both Detroit and L.A.
The question is, can he take another jump? He is going into a contract year, and if he leaps to say All-Star level, he may get a massive deal with L.A or someone else. Harris will be the first option with the Clippers at least with the starters. This year we will see if he can be a foundational piece on a contender, or a solid number two guys on an average team.
Harris put up career numbers in L.A averaging 19.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists on 47.3% shooting from the field, 41.4% from three and 80.0% from the line. That led to a 56.5 true shooting percentage, a career low turnover percentage, and a career-best PER and assist percentage.
Harris is a pretty complete scorer. A good shooter from three and midrange and above average finisher at the rim. His next step to improve his efficiency, even more, is getting better at drawing fouls. Harris’ offensive game is impressive. He rated in the 75th percentile or higher in spotting up, pick and roll ball handling, isolations and posting up. Now that’s a complete scorer and one who can play on or off the ball. I think he is at his best as an isolation scorer.
Harris loves the move of going before the screen gets there, especially when he has a big on him. DeAndre Jordan is coming to set a screen, but instead, Harris bolts right by Daniel Theis takes two hard dribbles and finishes at the rim while drawing the foul. Harris can flat out get buckets and is a savvy scorer. He made strides as a playmaker last year, but he is still an average passer. If he can add that to his game, then we can include him amongst the best offensive wings in the game. Then there is the other ends.
The defensive end of the floor is something that Harris needs to improve. He tries, and isn’t a trainwreck, but is still below average. The good part is Harris doesn’t foul a lot, is a good defensive rebounder and gets blocks and steals at a high rate. His two main weaknesses are defending the spot-up action and post players. He goes for pump fakes a lot, and sometimes bigger wings can overpower him. Improving his discipline and knowing his opponent will go a long way.
Harris is a worker, and you can bet he is working on those things. He is closer than you think to becoming a complete player. It will be nearly impossible to make the All-Star team in the Western Confrence, but expect Harris to be in the running. If he puts it all together, he can average 20-5-5 and be an average defender.
That is a very good player to have. It is unclear what direction the Clippers want to go in, but a big year from Harris will earn him a big payday and may help attract another big fish in 2019. The Clipper could have the money to sign him and another star. I can’t wait to see Harris this season.
