NEW YORK — Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has been a man of many hats and many roles during his time in the City of Brotherly Love. He has been counted on to be the No. 2 option, a go-to scorer, a 3-and-D player, a defender and everything in between.
In Philadelphia’s first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, Harris averaged 20.3 points on 56.7% shooting and he was 8-for-14 from deep. He also pulled in 8.8 rebounds and he did a terrific job of defending the Nets on the perimeter.
Harris has had to change his role almost weekly to help the Sixers succeed and Philadelphia has needed all of it.
“Not a lot of guys like it, really,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I say it all the time to different people, you go back to when I first met him. He was my No. 1 option with the Clippers and I come to Philly and he’s 2, then 3, then 4, but he just does all the other stuff. There are times when he’s 2 and 3, but it’s not an easy thing.”
Harris’ ability to understand what needs to be done for the betterment of the team has helped the Sixers and it set an example for his teammates to follow.
“He shows up every day no matter what’s asked of him,” added Georges Niang. “Whether it’s guarding the best player or being a real scoring threat when they’re doubling other guys, he’s just a consummate pro, and I think it speaks volumes to his character.”
A lot of guys would have a tough time being asked to do different things or things that may be considered beneath them, but Harris has done what is asked of him with no complaints.
“Everything that he’s gone through in this year, no matter what happens, you’re gonna get a consistent effort out of him,” Niang added. “That doesn’t always happen in professional sports.”
Of course, it helps that the Sixers are succeeding and they’re winning. If they weren’t, maybe things don’t go as smoothly, but Philadelphia is happy with what they are receiving out of Harris.
“A lot of guys can’t do it,” Rivers added. “You have to be on a good team, obviously, because selling that role is easier when you have a chance to do that. He’s committed himself to that so it’s made it easier.”
The Sixers will need Harris to continue to produce at a high level as they advance in this postseason.
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