Tobias Harris
Can the Sixer cashing the biggest check on the team impact the game when it matters most? Tobias Harris should be the most logical choice as a closer. Over his career of playing with the Magic, Bucks, Clippers, and Pistons, he has hit a few shots that led to a win. When he played with the Clippers, he hit a nice clutch shot to give them a final lead against the Hornets. As a young player with the Magic, he hit a pull up shot to end regulation against the Hawks. Lastly, there was the big shot he made against the 76ers several years ago.
Although he can’t carry the clutch label as notably as Jimmy Butler, Harris has the best skill set to do it for the current team. Whether it’s a 2-point shot or 3-point shot, he can get to the basket by driving the lane and finishing or pull up behind the arc. He is not known for scoring much in traffic, but he can finish at the rim or hit a shot in the lane. In addition, he has a solid post-up game, where he can eat shot clock and take a pull-up jumper, demonstrating a good mid-range game.
Also, Harris has a nice jab step that keeps his opponent guessing. He may not lull a player to sleep like James Harden before striking, but Harris can handle the rock adequately enough to get the job done. If I were coaching the 76ers, my invitation to close out a game would be given to the $180 million man. He has the range of skills necessary to get off a shot in a variety of ways. He is the closer the Sixers can trust with the game on the line.
RATING — 4 Mambas
Ben Simmons slaps the ball. Screens are set. Opponents scramble to stay with their man. The clock ticks. Simmons has to make a decision. Just before the whistle blows for a 5-second violation, he passes it to…