CHARLESTON, S.C. — In the past, Tobias Harris was the No. 2 offensive option for the Philadelphia 76ers. Other than Joel Embiid, the Sixers relied on Harris to be that second scorer on the floor to get the offense going.
Heading into the 2022-23 season, that is no longer the case. Harris is the team’s No. 4 option behind Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey as the offense reconfigures itself for success.
Harris, after a slow start adjusting to his new role, ended up shooting 40% from deep after the All-Star break in the 2021-22 season. As he heads into his fourth full season with the Sixers, coach Doc Rivers sees some comfort level in his game.
“Today (Saturday) was his best practice,” said Rivers. “First of all, just mentally. He has completely given himself, like, listen I’m doing what I need to do to help the team win. Today, he was great because he did all that, and plus the ball was finding him wide open. He got open shots all day today and that’s great.”
To improve as a catch-and-shoot player, one has to move well without the ball. Luckily for Harris and the Sixers, he had a crash course in that type of role after the break in 2022.
“I think last year really helped,” Rivers added. “The second half of last year, the last 15 games, and through the playoffs, I thought he really bought into who needs to be.”
The Sixers will benefit greatly from a comfortable Harris. It is hugely important for the team’s offensive success for him to take strides forward, so these are positive signs.
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