Just posted this in the Spurs sub but figured I’d add it here:
As a long-time observer of the Philadelphia 76ers, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: Tobias Harris is often unfairly scapegoated for the team’s shortcomings. However, Harris is a much better player than many fans give him credit for, and I firmly believe he would thrive in an efficient offensive system. The blame for the team’s struggles should be placed more on the dysfunctional offensive system than on Harris himself. Let’s dive into why Harris deserves more appreciation and how the team’s offensive issues have miscast him as a problem.
First and foremost, Harris is consistently one of the most reliable and versatile players on the roster. Over the past few seasons, he’s averaged around 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting efficiently from the field (47-49%) and beyond the arc (37-39%). These numbers are indicative of a player who is making significant contributions on a nightly basis.
The Real Issue: A Stagnant Offensive System
The Sixers’ offensive system, especially in recent years, has been heavily reliant on isolation basketball. This style of play doesn’t cater to Harris’s strengths. He excels in a more fluid, ball-movement-centric offense where he can leverage his mid-range game and off-ball movement. Instead, he often finds himself standing in the corner or being a secondary option while the primary ball-handlers dominate the offense.
To understand the stagnant nature of the team’s offense, consider these stats from the past season:
Isolation Frequency: The Sixers ranked in the top 5 in the league for isolation plays per game, with approximately 8.9% of their offensive possessions ending in isolation.
Ball Movement: The team was in the bottom third of the league in passes per game, averaging around 281 passes per game. For comparison, teams like the Warriors and Spurs, known for their ball movement, averaged well over 300 passes per game.
Assist Percentage: The Sixers were 21st in the league in assist percentage, with only 58.4% of their made field goals coming off assists. This is a clear indicator of the lack of ball movement and over-reliance on individual playmaking.
These stats paint a clear picture: the team’s offense often stagnates, which not only makes it easier for defenses to key in on primary scorers but also limits opportunities for players like Harris to thrive.
Because of this offensive stagnation, fans often point fingers at Harris when the team struggles. It’s easy to blame the secondary star when the primary offensive system isn’t delivering, but this is an unfair assessment. Harris’s value extends beyond raw stats—his basketball IQ, ability to create spacing, and willingness to play within the team concept are crucial for the team’s success.
In a system that emphasizes ball movement, player movement, and efficient shot selection, Harris could truly shine. His skill set is perfectly suited for a motion offense where his scoring versatility and off-ball capabilities would be maximized. Imagine Harris in an offense like the Warriors’ or the Spurs’—teams that prioritize spacing, passing, and finding the best shot. He would likely see a significant uptick in both his efficiency and overall impact.
Another crucial aspect often overlooked is Harris’s availability. Over the past few seasons, he has been one of the most consistent and durable players on the team. While key players like Joel Embiid and James Harden have missed significant time due to injuries or other issues, Harris has been a reliable presence, consistently showing up and performing. His availability has been essential for maintaining some level of stability within the team.
Furthermore, Harris has had to adapt to various coaching changes, roster adjustments, and the fluctuating availability of key players. Despite these challenges, he’s remained a steady presence on the court, often stepping up in crucial moments. Harris has also embraced the city, the fans, and his role with grace, never complaining about the criticisms or the shifting dynamics around him. His professionalism and leadership are invaluable to the team, qualities that often go unrecognized but are essential for any successful team.
In conclusion, Tobias Harris is a much better player than many Sixers fans give him credit for. The team’s isolation-heavy offensive system has done him no favors, often highlighting his perceived weaknesses rather than his true strengths. It’s time we appreciate Harris for the solid, multifaceted player he is and recognize that the real issue lies in how the team’s offensive system is structured. Harris’s contributions are significant, and he deserves more respect for what he brings to the court.
knightswept
Highly doubt this. Utah had interest a few years ago, but they’re only connected now because they have cap space. Tony Jones was on [Locked on Jazz](https://youtu.be/r0X8zTyO0go?si=2nMQSUs8yf5_on1z) last night and pretty much confirmed this. Same can be said for Lavine. He also gave insight on Walker and didn’t deny he could be moved. In fact he said Lauri was close to untouchable, and Keyonte and Hendricks would cost a LOT to trade for. It’s the second time he has left Walker off that list (he was on a [Sacramento radio show](https://youtu.be/7FDyZja5qJs?si=towrpt1w-fvmK4oK) and only mentioned Keyonte/Lauri).
LibertyJ10
Please no.
Whoooooooooom
I’m not saying Tobias Harris is awesome, but “one of the biggest free agent busts of the decade” feels like a bit much for a guy that averaged 17.6ppg in Philly.
But I don’t want him and don’t think the Jazz do either.
Bajecco
As a lifelong Sixers fan who has lived in Utah and followed the Jazz for 23 years, don’t do it.
6 Comments
This makes absolutely no sense.
Just posted this in the Spurs sub but figured I’d add it here:
As a long-time observer of the Philadelphia 76ers, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: Tobias Harris is often unfairly scapegoated for the team’s shortcomings. However, Harris is a much better player than many fans give him credit for, and I firmly believe he would thrive in an efficient offensive system. The blame for the team’s struggles should be placed more on the dysfunctional offensive system than on Harris himself. Let’s dive into why Harris deserves more appreciation and how the team’s offensive issues have miscast him as a problem.
First and foremost, Harris is consistently one of the most reliable and versatile players on the roster. Over the past few seasons, he’s averaged around 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, shooting efficiently from the field (47-49%) and beyond the arc (37-39%). These numbers are indicative of a player who is making significant contributions on a nightly basis.
The Real Issue: A Stagnant Offensive System
The Sixers’ offensive system, especially in recent years, has been heavily reliant on isolation basketball. This style of play doesn’t cater to Harris’s strengths. He excels in a more fluid, ball-movement-centric offense where he can leverage his mid-range game and off-ball movement. Instead, he often finds himself standing in the corner or being a secondary option while the primary ball-handlers dominate the offense.
To understand the stagnant nature of the team’s offense, consider these stats from the past season:
Isolation Frequency: The Sixers ranked in the top 5 in the league for isolation plays per game, with approximately 8.9% of their offensive possessions ending in isolation.
Ball Movement: The team was in the bottom third of the league in passes per game, averaging around 281 passes per game. For comparison, teams like the Warriors and Spurs, known for their ball movement, averaged well over 300 passes per game.
Assist Percentage: The Sixers were 21st in the league in assist percentage, with only 58.4% of their made field goals coming off assists. This is a clear indicator of the lack of ball movement and over-reliance on individual playmaking.
These stats paint a clear picture: the team’s offense often stagnates, which not only makes it easier for defenses to key in on primary scorers but also limits opportunities for players like Harris to thrive.
Because of this offensive stagnation, fans often point fingers at Harris when the team struggles. It’s easy to blame the secondary star when the primary offensive system isn’t delivering, but this is an unfair assessment. Harris’s value extends beyond raw stats—his basketball IQ, ability to create spacing, and willingness to play within the team concept are crucial for the team’s success.
In a system that emphasizes ball movement, player movement, and efficient shot selection, Harris could truly shine. His skill set is perfectly suited for a motion offense where his scoring versatility and off-ball capabilities would be maximized. Imagine Harris in an offense like the Warriors’ or the Spurs’—teams that prioritize spacing, passing, and finding the best shot. He would likely see a significant uptick in both his efficiency and overall impact.
Another crucial aspect often overlooked is Harris’s availability. Over the past few seasons, he has been one of the most consistent and durable players on the team. While key players like Joel Embiid and James Harden have missed significant time due to injuries or other issues, Harris has been a reliable presence, consistently showing up and performing. His availability has been essential for maintaining some level of stability within the team.
Furthermore, Harris has had to adapt to various coaching changes, roster adjustments, and the fluctuating availability of key players. Despite these challenges, he’s remained a steady presence on the court, often stepping up in crucial moments. Harris has also embraced the city, the fans, and his role with grace, never complaining about the criticisms or the shifting dynamics around him. His professionalism and leadership are invaluable to the team, qualities that often go unrecognized but are essential for any successful team.
In conclusion, Tobias Harris is a much better player than many Sixers fans give him credit for. The team’s isolation-heavy offensive system has done him no favors, often highlighting his perceived weaknesses rather than his true strengths. It’s time we appreciate Harris for the solid, multifaceted player he is and recognize that the real issue lies in how the team’s offensive system is structured. Harris’s contributions are significant, and he deserves more respect for what he brings to the court.
Highly doubt this. Utah had interest a few years ago, but they’re only connected now because they have cap space. Tony Jones was on [Locked on Jazz](https://youtu.be/r0X8zTyO0go?si=2nMQSUs8yf5_on1z) last night and pretty much confirmed this. Same can be said for Lavine. He also gave insight on Walker and didn’t deny he could be moved. In fact he said Lauri was close to untouchable, and Keyonte and Hendricks would cost a LOT to trade for. It’s the second time he has left Walker off that list (he was on a [Sacramento radio show](https://youtu.be/7FDyZja5qJs?si=towrpt1w-fvmK4oK) and only mentioned Keyonte/Lauri).
Please no.
I’m not saying Tobias Harris is awesome, but “one of the biggest free agent busts of the decade” feels like a bit much for a guy that averaged 17.6ppg in Philly.
But I don’t want him and don’t think the Jazz do either.
As a lifelong Sixers fan who has lived in Utah and followed the Jazz for 23 years, don’t do it.