Can Tobias Harris become the Sixers’ X-Factor this season?

The 76ers organization has proven that they are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. After spending a decade of gambling on first-round draft picks, the Sixers believe to have found their starting lineup.

The 2020-21 season showed the NBA how dangerous the Sixers can be. As a new season quickly approaches, Philadelphia will need more from players like Tobias Harris to win a championship.

With uncertainty around the starting five, the Sixers are in need of a game changer. Will Tobias Harris fulfill this role in 2021-22?

In 2019, the Sixers’ front office decided that their roster needed a shuffle. On Wednesday, February 6th, the NBA announced the league’s most recent transaction. The Los Angeles Clippers agreed to send Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and Mike Scott to the city of Brotherly Love. In return, the 76ers agreed to trade Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, and Landry Shamet to the west coast in addition to a few future drafts picks.

When the deal was finalized, general manager Elton Brand expressed his approval. When asked about his thoughts on the trade, Brand’s response gave Sixers the reassurance they needed.

"“Tobias is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA and possesses an innate ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.”"

The change in the roster did not impact Philadelphia’s chances of making the playoffs. The team’s 43-30 record was enough to clinch the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Harris played twenty-seven games for Philadelphia during the 2019 season.

Philadelphia’s seasoned veteran performed well, despite having an amount of time to familiarize himself with the team. His 18.2 points per game helped the Sixers solidify their chances of making the postseason.

Can Tobias Harris improve the Sixers?

Tobias Harris has proven to be one of the veteran leaders on the 76ers roster. This year will be Harris’ 10th season playing in the NBA. His knowledge of basketball has grown since being drafted in the first round in 2011. The leadership provided by Harris on and off the court has helped the Sixers become an Eastern Conference contender.

Elton Brand and the Sixers front office understand that each season deserves its focus. The Philadelphia 76ers intend on defending their rein as the best team in the Conference. If the Sixers have plans on being a dominant force this season, Tobias Harris must continue his consistency.