Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris set to become the closer next season
The Philadelphia 76ers are likely to turn to Tobias Harris late in games next season.
A short, sometimes frustrating era has come to an end. Jimmy Butler is taking his talents to South Beach, leaving the Philadelphia 76ers in need of a new closer — someone who can create offense down the stretch.
Brett Brown happens to have a $180 million man ready to step into that role. While Tobias Harris‘ responsibilities were limited in Butler’s shadow last season, he’s primed for a much bigger role in 2019-20. He’s now the Sixers’ highest-paid player. He’s also the most proficient off-the-dribble scorer on the roster.
Both in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, Harris made his name as a low-usage star. He impacted games without commanding a lion’s share of the work. He spaces the floor, cuts to the basket and operates well in the pick-and-roll. He occupies several complementary spaces on offense.
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He won’t abandon that role next season. The Sixers will still rely on Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to initiate the offense. Embiid will command double teams in the post, using his unmatched footwork, size and strength to carve out buckets inside. Simmons will push the tempo and pace the offense.
Where Harris enters the fold in a more prominent capacity is fourth quarters. Late in games when the offense slows down, teams focus even harder on Embiid and the Sixers need a bucket. Once Butler’s most valuable attribute, Harris will now take on the role of closer.
There’s no denying one simple truth — Harris isn’t Butler. For all the slack Butler received last season, his knack for timely buckets in big moments was a treat. He left Philadelphia fans with more than a few special moments as a result.
Although Harris isn’t Butler, he does have the skill set to adequately shoulder an expanded workload late in games. His full repertoire was muted after arriving in Philadelphia at the deadline. Now he’s in a position to unleash it.
Even the most basic stats point to Harris’ all-around impact on offense. He’s a genuinely elite shooter at 6-foot-9, hitting 39.7 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. His percentages took a slight dip upon joining the Sixers, but an unfamiliar role and a lack of cohesion is partially to blame.
Harris has spent the entire offseason preparing for Philadelphia basketball. He bailed on Team USA and has posted countless workout videos, many including Sixers teammates. It’s clear Harris has bought into improving his game and the team.
In addition to his long-range shooting, which should trend back up in 2019-20, Harris can effectively work the mid-range game. While short pull-ups are widely considered poor shot selection, those labels are wiped clean in crunch time.
The Sixers’ offense is rooted in motion. Dribble handoffs are a staple, while Brett Brown is bound to utilize more pick-and-rolls next season. Harris can use screens to wiggle free, popping into mid-range jumpers or, if necessary, making the standard reads as a passer.
What Harris lacks in shake compared to Butler, he makes up for in size. He’s a couple inches taller, affording him more room to shoot over outstretched defenders. In the Sixers’ jumbo-sized rotation, Harris will often have mismatches in his favor, even late in games. He has the tools to take advantage.
In addition to his on-ball game, the Sixers can utilize Harris in many of the actions once reserved for J.J. Redick. While Harris isn’t the same off-movement shooter, he has a quick trigger when spotting up and a body of work that indicates room for success.
Not every closer needs to have dynamic on-ball scoring. It’s a major boost — especially in the postseason, when defenses lock in — but the Sixers have been a team to rely on player movement to create space. Letting Harris traverse screens is an effective way to force defenses into disarray.
Brown will have the luxury of exploring Harris’ full capabilities next season. He’s no longer shackled by Butler’s presence or a lack of continuity. He’s here, he’s in the system and he’s on a max contract. The Sixers will turn to Harris because he’s the top option on the perimeter.
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Given his pull-up range, propensity for in-between baskets and overall touch, Harris should transition comfortably into a bigger late-game role next season. There’s a certain composure required late in games, something Harris will need to showcase. But the talent and ability is present.