Last night’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons ended with a rather deflating result for the former, but it also evoked some feelings from the audience — and perhaps, the franchise — as the city saw the return of Tobias Harris, now suiting up for the then-visitors.
Harris helped push the Pistons over the 76ers with 18 points and an impressive 14 rebounds, silencing a home crowd that has been divisive about his time in Philly. The veteran forward spent the last five years with the franchise before signing with Detriot during free agency, a divorce that seemed pretty imminent, especially on account of his shortcomings.
And after a long, passive bout with fans, Harris finally opened up about his real sentiments on the 76ers faithful.
Tobias Harris opens up about what he feels about 76ers fans
Harris’ arrival in Philly was initially met with wide acclaim, but the thorny relationship between him and the fans started swiftly after the front office, nearly handcuffed into doing so to save face, re-signed him to a very lucrative deal.
The result was constant derision from fans and pundits alike who have all decided to solely judge the veteran forward on the basis of the inherent disproportion between his on-court production and ginormous contract.
While Harris never got much love from the majority of fans in Philly, he nevertheless got candid on what he truly felt about the situation.
I did thrive off of it. When you’re in the moment, it’s just tough to get through. But, you know, I think the fans here get a bed rep on just their passion. I’ve played in different cities and this is one of the cities where you can get booed by fans but you can be out at a restaurant and they’ll put their baby in your hands to take a photo. So, they’re just passionate basketball fans. Want to see the team do well. But, they can’t hurt you. That’s for sure.
Harris played it a bit safe, but his statement perfectly encapsulates the 76ers fan experience. Having said that, there would have also been credence had he been less diplomatic about the “issue”. Philly fans can admittedly get a bit too passionate to the point of being too abrasive, which he reckons as part of their DNA.
It’s certainly interesting to think if the view on his 76ers stint would be much different and perhaps, more favorable, had the front office inked him to a more reasonable contract that subjects him to similarly more prudent standards.
Sure, he did struggle at times, somehow mostly in high-stakes situations, but he’s arguably been as reliable given his profile as a consistent third fiddle for the most part. That is something fans cannot deny.
What was first thought out to be a productive partnership between the Philadelphia 76ers and Tobias harris may have ended on a sour note, but at least, there are no ill feelings from both camps.
After all, time heals all wounds.
But maybe, there should not have been one in the first place.