Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris will prioritize ‘style of play’ in free agency
Tobias Harris values style of play. Does that help or hurt the Philadelphia 76ers’ cause?
Tobias Harris will become an unrestricted free agent on July 30 at 6 PM, free to sign wherever he chooses. The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to offer a large sum to retain him, but there are other suitors — namely Brooklyn and Dallas — picking up steam in the rumor mill.
In a recent interview, Harris laid out his priorities for this summer.
"“The most important thing for me, I would say, is style of play. That’s the most important thing for me. That’s big for myself and my game, how I envision myself playing, envision myself growing and getting better year after year. So style of play, for my type of game, is the No. 1 thing I’m looking for in free agency…Up and down, spread the floor, kinda like what everybody pictures the modern-day NBA team to be. Let’s shoot threes, get downhill, let’s get to the free-throw line, because those are the most efficient ways. But ball movement is the biggest thing. So, that style of play is most fitting for me.” — via Bleacher Report"
It’s an interesting comment, and one that could have several implications for the Sixers as the moratorium approaches. Operating under the assumption Philadelphia will offer Harris a full-on max contract — which, if needed, they should — the Sixers’ style of play could make or break their case.
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Harris mentions the modern NBA and, in specifics, three-point shooting, downhill scoring, free throw shooting and ball movement. The Sixers check those boxes, for the most part. Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler are free throw magnets, while Ben Simmons leads the charge for Brett Brown’s up-tempo, movement-heavy scheme.
When the Sixers can run, they typically run. Even with a throwback big of Embiid’s ilk, the Sixers are often at their best when pushing the pace and searching for open shooters. As for ball movement, the Sixers ranked top-five in passes and assists per game last season.
Those boxes are all checked in Philadelphia’s favor. The Sixers run, look to spread the floor and move the ball at an elite rate. Where the concern creeps in, however, is how the Sixers accomplish their offensive goals. Or, more importantly, who the offense runs through.
Harris mentions how he “envisions” himself playing and how he sees his game growing every season. In Philadelphia, Harris was often the fourth or fifth option on offense, even taking a backseat to J.J. Redick‘s off-ball sets in certain situations.
The Sixers were better about maximizing Harris’ minutes as the season progressed, but all in all, there was never a clearly defined role for Harris on offense. He had to fit in alongside Embiid and Simmons, neither of whom space the floor, and Butler, a ball-dominant shot creator.
There’s reason to question whether Harris wants to spend his prime seasons as a tertiary or quaternary option. Whether the Sixers’ up-tempo system is inclusive enough for Harris’ tastes moving forward. It comes down to preference on Harris’ part and what he wants to accomplish during his athletic peak.
Other potential suitors can offer Harris a fast-paced, spaced-out offense. The Lakers are expected to run-and-gun behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Mavericks have Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, two ultra-skilled players who shoot at a high clip. The Nets might add Kyrie Irving to a young, versatile core.
It’s far from certain Harris re-signs this summer, which is a stark change in tone compared to the regular season. For much of Harris’ brief tenure, it felt natural. As though he was too perfect a fit, both on the court and off the court, to even consider leaving.
Points were made about stability, as Harris has moved around quite a bit during his NBA career. But in the end, Philadelphia needs to make a strong case this summer. A case built not only on winning championships, but what Harris’ role might look like moving forward. A case built on maximizing his minutes and expanding his responsibilities.
The Sixers should emerge as favorites to retain Harris’ services, especially if a five-year, $190 million deal is on the table. It’s difficult to imagine Harris turning down such a gargantuan offer to play on a less competitive team.
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We’ll see what happens when June 30 rolls around.