One of the many questions surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the 2019-20 season was “who would be the team’s closer?” It was a debate that many people have discussed and many people have argued over and the majority of people look at a guy like Tobias Harris who was re-signed to a $180 million max contract over the summer.
Coach Brett Brown has stated in the past that he would like Harris to have a “scorer’s mentality” meaning he wants him to focus on his offensive game and putting the ball in the basket. After putting up bigger numbers in the second halves of games and specifically in the fourth quarter recently, Brown likes what he sees.
“It’s a mentality,” said Brown. “I want him to have a scorer’s mentality. I want him to find the rim. Then from that point on, he’ll figure it out, ‘I got a jump shot. I can drive it.’ I still think he passes up two threes a game. We’ve gone through him, put him in environments, and he’s such an unselfish player that sometimes he makes a pass that he might not need to.”
Harris is growing into that guy slowly. He is averaging 20.6 points while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 35.7% from deep over the last seven games.
“I’m always comfortable when I’m in rhythm,” said Harris. “I take my opportunities when they’re there and I pride myself on being a player that plays in the flow of a game and tries to get the offense created throughout other teammates and things that we’re doing. I’m definitely taking advantage of a lot of things and scenarios out there on the floor and I think it’s a good sign.”
Harris is taking 4.0 threes per game over that same span as mentioned above, but after looking at the film, Harris sees what his coach is talking about and it can help him move forward in that role.
“When I look at the film, I see a couple of them, but I like to evaluate my shots in rhythm,” Harris said. “I definitely understand where he wants me to let them fly, especially from three. I think I look for those shots more for sure.”
Brown has a lot of faith in Harris and wants to continue this recent upswing. He has all of the physical tools to get to grow into that type of player.
“I think he’s a talent and he’s so young and he’s gifted and that’s how I want to try and grow him,” Brown finished with.
The Sixers will hit the road next to take on the Washington Wizards on Thursday. [lawrence-related id=20609,20597,20584]