CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris is known mostly for his offensive ability. He has the size and strength to score over smaller opponents, and he has a high basketball IQ to understand how to find open spots on the floor for easy baskets.
One aspect of his game that continues to improve is his work on the defensive end. The Sixers have turned to him to lock up the opposition’s best scorer. His work in the regular season was terrific, and he was great on Brooklyn Nets guard Mikal Bridges in the first round.
The work on the defensive end is something Harris continues to take pride in.
“100%,” he said succinctly. “I think where I’m at in my career right now, just the way my body’s feeling athletically, physically, and things of that nature to take the emphasis to be able to go out and try to stop the other team’s best player and just make it hard for him. Make those guys take tough shots. I know with my size, strength, and length on the floor, I’m able to contest a lot of shots and make it harder for them.”
Harris was never a poor defender in his career, but it wasn’t anything he was known for. He was more of an offensive player for Philadelphia. Now, the Sixers throw him on the opposition’s leading man and they feel confident in doing so.
“Over the course of my career, as I progress like laterally, movement-wise, it’s just helped me out a whole lot to be able to stay in front of those guys,” Harris added. “So that, I believe, is one of the biggest keys in the league. Can you stay in front of a guy in a possession in isolation? I take a lot of pride in trying to do that.”
Harris will have his hands full in the semifinals against Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics. As long as he continues to progress on the defensive end, he will make a big difference for Philadelphia.
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