Ever since the All-Star break, the focus surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers has been the play of James Harden as he continues to make his adjustments and team up with Joel Embiid. The star duo is expected to do big things for the Sixers in terms of their title chase.
However, in order for the Sixers to make a real splash, they need help and that is where Tobias Harris has to come in.
It has been a real struggle for Harris since the Harden acquisition as he has had to make big changes to his play style. Before Harden arrived, he had to be the No. 2 guy next to Embiid so he had to make plays with the ball. Now, with Harden, he has to be a catch-and-shoot guy.
“Just adapt,” said Harris. “Before, there were a lot of pick-and-rolls that went my way, isolations, so there’s less than that now. So you adapt to the style of play and it’s more being ready catch and shoot wise to allow the 3-balls to open up the game, and for me, to be honest, this is like the first time in my career that that has been my role and niche.”
Harris did a solid job of doing so in Sunday’s win over the Orlando Magic. He had 26 points and he knocked down four triples, including the game-winning corner triple in overtime. That was a game that he really needed in order to move forward.
“Everybody has made like a huge deal of three games,” Harris added. “I’m just sitting back like evaluating, watching film, going to the gym, putting up extra shots, and staying in rhythm because I know I’m an adapter and I’ve always been an adapter in any situation. I know that for me, it’s just about figuring out ways to be very efficient in that role. Whether it’s 18 shots or it’s eight shots, just be efficient, and bring energy on both sides of the game.”
Harris still has a long way to go in terms of making sure he nails down his role and he is able to help the Sixers in the postseason, but he is going to continue to work and see it all pay off. He just has to put the work in.
“Honestly, it’s been a lot of work as well,” he added. “Since the All-Star break has ended, I’ve been in the gym every day, putting in time, putting in effort to be able to stay in rhythm game after game and it’s paid off.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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