2. The Harris connection
Tobias Harris played the best basketball of his career with the Clippers. No coach has gotten more out of Harris individually than Rivers did, effectively making Harris the No. 1 option on a team competing for a postseason slot in the Western Conference.
While the team context is much different in Philadelphia, the Sixers are banking on Rivers to work his magic once more. The Sixers invested $180 million in Harris last summer, and so far, that investment has vastly underwhelmed. Rivers is familiar with Harris, and Harris is familiar with Rivers. If any coach can get Harris to perform at half the level his contract would suggest, Rivers is a good bet.
Doc Rivers was on a plane from LA to Philly "within 24 hours of losing his job."@wojespn on why the 76ers were the best option for Rivers out of all the jobs available. pic.twitter.com/LzI8XtNBbr
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 2, 2020
It’s almost taboo to discuss Harris with any level of affection or seriousness in Philadelphia, but he is paid more than anyone else on the roster. He is, for better or worse, a key component of this team, and the Sixers need to make it work. Harris can contribute to a contender. He’s a genuinely talented player. We will see if Rivers can maximize that talent with the Sixers.
Beyond Harris, Rivers has also effusively praised Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in the past. He likened them to Kareem and Magic, and while that comparison is exaggerated, it does speak to the potential Rivers likely sees. One has to think there’s a reason he so quickly accepted the Sixers job.