The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Ranking every player on the Sixers’ 2021 roster

By Christopher Kline

Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Ben Simmons, Sixers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Matisse Thybulle, Shake Milton, Ben Simmons, Sixers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 17
Next
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Tobias Harris. 3. player. 93. . PF. Philadelphia 76ers

Ranking every player on the Sixers roster — 3. Tobias Harris

There was never any doubt that Tobias Harris was going to be the third best player on the Sixers this year.  The real questions were if he would ever be their much needed third star, and if it would be enough to make people stop talking about his gigantic salary. While his scoring, rebounding, and assist numbers are nearly identical to last season, he is doing it in two minutes fewer per game, with much higher shooting percentages from the field, from 3, and from the line, all while playing far and away the best defense of his career.

Brett Brown placed Harris in a set role that was designated by the offense, forcing him to be a square peg in a round hole. Doc Rivers has simply allowed Tobias to play to his strengths and asked him to be more accountable on defense. Harris loves his mid-range game, which the analytics-minded Brown frowned upon, so Doc gave him the green light to take the best shot available.  This year, Tobias has become a true triple threat offensive player, encouraged to shoot the 3, drive to the basket, and either find the open man, drive to the hole, or pull up for his beloved 15-foot jumper. The result has not only freed up Harris to play the best basketball of his life, but changed the way the Sixers run their offense and how defenses have to prepare for them.

Harris is encouraged to react quickly, so the days of holding the ball on the perimeter or pounding a wasted dribble are gone, replaced by aggressive decisions, putting pressure on the defense and opening up his teammates. He takes larger defenders out on the perimeter, bullies smaller defenders down low, and craves the ball in pressure situations.  Harris has taken great pride in becoming a more complete all around player, as the days of having to “hide” him on defense are gone, replaced by a confidence that he can be a capable defender against anyone.

The best part of this new and improved version of Tobias is that he brings it every single night, with remarkable consistency.  The questions about his game and his fit have been answered and then some, and now the only question left is not about his money, but how far he can help the 76ers go in the playoffs.

— Matt Cahlil