The Sixers have undergone a noticeable adjustment period after the successive returns of Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. As the team learns to reorient itself around Embiid, the conversation around Harris is evolving. Tyrese Maxey looks more and more like the No. 2 star on offense, while Seth Curry continues to dominate whenever Embiid is on the floor.
While there is no denying Harris’ basketball talent, it is fair to once again question his utility to the Sixers. For the season, Harris is averaging a respectable 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, hitting 48.2 percent of his field goals and 32.1 percent of his 3s — a number bound to improve over time. That would mark a career-high in scoring, rebounding, and assisting for the 29-year-old.
That said, after an extended stretch of image rehab last season, Harris is beginning to draw the ire of the Sixers fanbase once again. Not because of his lack of production, but because of how he’s going about attaining his production.
Tobias Harris is the Sixers’ fatally flawed No. 2 star
Before the season, I not-so-generously ranked Harris as the 55th best player in the NBA. That decision was met with pushback, even from my own colleagues. Harris earned quite a bit of love last season, improving across the board and putting forth his best NBA season to date. He was in the All-Star conversation, and Philadelphia was the No.1 seed in the East.
Many people attributed Harris’ sudden outbreak to his reunion with Doc Rivers, who had previously brought out the best in Harris with the Clippers. Harris started driving more to his left, where he’s most comfortable. He got more work going downhill, getting to his spots as a pull-up shooter and finisher. The only real nitpick with his subpar 3-point volume.
It’s too early to write the obituary on Harris’ 2021-22 season, because there’s no need for one. He’s not playing poorly. He’s en route to career highs across the board, so it’s hard to complain. His 3-point volume is up, and the percentage will soon follow. He’s also returning from COVID and injuries, so he deserves time the recalibrate.
The issue with Harris, however, is once again not a lack of production. It’s the simple fact that Harris is not as good as his raw counting stats would suggest. Harris has not really lived up to the mark of 55th-best NBA player this season, and his sizable flaws in approach continue to limit both him and the Sixers’ offense.