Sixers: Ranking Tobias Harris and every starting power forward in the NBA
We continue to rank every starter at every position in the NBA. With point guards and shooting guards and small forwards already complete, it’s time to shift focus to the power forward position. For the Sixers, that means deciphering Tobias Harris’ place among his positional peers.
It has been a difficult season for Harris, who is receiving more boos than ever at the Wells Fargo Center due to his poor play. Injuries and COVID have no doubt played a factor, but with Ben Simmons out of the picture, there has been more focus than ever on Harris’ performance next to Joel Embiid.
That said, where does he stand at the power forward position?
149. . PF. Oklahoma City Thunder. Aaron Wiggins. 30. player
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 30. Aaron Wiggins, Thunder
A general lack of proven NBA track record keeps Aaron Wiggins at the No. 30 spot, even if he has flashed promising two-way potential for the young Thunder. The 6-foot-6 Wiggins is essentially another wing for OKC, with a projectable 3-point shot, athletic pop, and strong awareness operating off-ball. He should stick around for a while. Not many second-round picks are year-one starters, even on the most fervently rebuilding teams.
29. player. 84. . PF. Sacramento Kings. Marvin Bagley III
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 29. Marvin Bagley III, Kings
The Kings have moved Marvin Bagley into the starting five. The longevity of that decision is unknown, but as Bagley’s career hangs on an unbearably thin thread, he’s beginning to get more opportunities. For the season, he’s averaging 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds on 46.0 percent shooting. The raw athletic talent is still there, but the question remains — can Bagley defend well enough to carve out a niche in the NBA?
29. . PF. San Antonio Spurs. Doug McDermott. 28. player
Ranking NBA starting power forwards — 28. Doug McDermott, Spurs
Doug McDermott’s place in San Antonio’s future is uncertain, but he has provided the Spurs with exactly what he was signed to provide: perimeter shooting. The 30-year-old boasts one of the NBA’s purest 3-point strokes. He thrives gunning around screens Redick-style, hitting off-balance jumpers and punishing lapses in the defense. He’s averaging 11.2 points and hitting 41.6 percent of his 3s this season.