Philadelphia 76ers: 5 players who benefit from Doc Rivers as coach
By Uriah Young
3. Tobias Harris
Doc Rivers and Tobias Harris spent time together in Los Angeles. For the Clippers, Harris experienced his best year as a professional. As these two are reunited, this ideal scenario should spark familiar chemistry.
It is clear that the roster construction of the Clippers when both Rivers and Harris were there is different from the current 76ers. However, Rivers understands what kind of player Harris has become and will quickly learn where Harris can fit within a new system. Their experience should create a vision for Rivers to implement Harris into the most effective situations as possible, particularly on offense.
In Los Angeles, Harris was best used in pick-and-roll situations. That could continue in Philadelphia, minus the clunky sets that Brett Brown used to use last season. The new coach probably also recognizes the versatility of Harris in the low post, so that probably won’t change much from last year, taking advantage of mismatches where the defender is undersized.
Looking at Harris and Rivers as people and not only player/coach, both men share something else outside of a mere past professional relationship. They are well known around the NBA as staunch supporters of social justice. Back in June and over the summer, Tobias Harris marched in the streets of Philadelphia in protest of the George Floyd murder. Overall, Harris has been an outstanding citizen wherever he’s played, donating his time, money, and voice to causes greater than himself.
Doc Rivers is very much the same type of socially conscious person. Recently, he was named to the NBA’s Social Justice Coalition Board. Only a few months ago, Doc Rivers gave a heartfelt plea for equality when interviewed after a game about the mistreatment of African Americans in the United States.
The common traits of player and coach for the 76ers is favorable because it shows a bond that is rooted in respect, demonstrated by their similar message of unity and dignity. Rivers and Harris connect on the idea that their life contributions expand beyond the basketball court and impact the greater good of humanity.
In the end, a Harris/Rivers combination is something that Philly fans can hold in high regard. Rivers brought the best out of Harris in LA, and the same will happen during the season for the Sixers.