Ranking every player on the Sixers’ 2021-22 roster

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

Last season was the best of Tobias Harris’ career so far. He averaged 19.5 points per game, was decimal points shy of joining the 50/40/90 club, and even made some noise in the All-Star conversation. Harris will now face even greater offensive duties in the wake of Ben Simmons’ holdout.

One could reasonably debate whether or not a bigger role is “good” for Harris, who is often best served in a more limited capacity. While Harris is an elite shooter and slasher, he doesn’t thrive as frequently when asked to create his own shots in isolation or make advanced reads as a playmaker. He’s a great tertiary star, but it’s fair to question if he’s a great No. 2. Especially when the No.1 is a post-oriented center who needs playmakers around him.

That said, the energy around Harris in Philadelphia has never been better. He won over the fanbase with his leadership and consistency last season, even if his contract remains a frustrating stain on the Sixers’ cap sheet. It is clear Harris is the leading voice in Philadelphia’s locker room, and he has gone out of his way to cultivate team chemistry. That, as much as his on-court production, makes Harris essential to what the Sixers hope to accomplish.

In addition to his scoring ability, Harris made major strides last season as both a passer and a defender. He’s still not a great playmaker, and he still needs to process the game faster (especially if he’s the No. 2 option), but Harris did much better making the simple reads under Doc Rivers. That played a big role in his career-best year.

As for defense, Harris is a mobile 6-foot-7 forward who has the core strength to defend up a position, and the speed to defend most wings. He’s best suited to the four spot, and he’s still not a particularly great athlete, but Harris held his own in several important matchups last season. He’s no longer a blatant liability.