Rob Grabowski – USA Today Sports Images
In his first season and a half in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, Tobias Harris didn’t see the floor much at all. He played in just 70 total games in Milwaukee, seeing the floor for around 11.5 minutes per game. However, when he was traded to the Orlando Magic as part of the J.J. Redick trade, he showed what enormous potential he has in this league.
At just 20 years old when he was playing last season, Harris put up some impressive numbers in Orlando. In 27 games, 20 of which he started in, he averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 boards, 2.1 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. For good measure, he also shot a solid 45.3 percent from the floor, though he did only hit on 31 percent of his three-point attempts.
As such a young player, Harris showed a ton of talent on both ends of the floor. He has a nice jumper, but can also attack the rim well as a combo-forward on the offensive end. Moreover, he also showed solid ability defensively, able to create problems with his length and athleticism. However, having another “solid year for a young player” isn’t what Harris wants. He has his heights set higher.
In an interview with Orlando Pinstriped Post from media day, Harris said that his “top individual goal” was to be an All-Star this season. He added that he knows he has the talent and thinks that the young team around him will help him achieve his goal and also said the coaches have put him in a situation to get there.
Considering that this will be Harris’ first full season shouldering a heavy workload, it will be interesting to see if he can sustain the performance he showed for the Magic last year over an 82-game season. If he’s able to do that and also show improvement as he matures and adjusts further, an All-Star appearance might not be all too crazy. Sure, he’ll have some competition, but he’s shown that he has that kind of potential.
Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google and like his Facebook page.
Related:
Orlando Magic Head Coach Jacque Vaughn Will “Challenge” Tobias Harris Defensively
Orlando Magic Have No Timetable for Return of Forward Glen Davis
Orlando Magic’s Victor Oladipo Doesn’t Want to Hear About Being Rookie of the Year Favorite
