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Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has stepped up this season and has been a calming presence inside of the locker room as the veteran player on the team.
The two rookies on the 76ers, Matisse Thybulle and Marial Shayok, have each spoken very highly of Harris’ leadership and mentorship throughout the season. Harris recently offered a glimpse into why he enjoys talking to them on the 76ers’ Twitter account.
I always root for underdogs. That has just been my whole thing, I’ve been an underdog my whole career. So, for me, seeing guys come in that are not necessarily top-five picks that come in as franchise players right away so seeing a guy like Matisse, a guy like [Marial], guys I see with a lot of potential that listen. Guys that I see as underdogs to make it and I think their story are even more powerful once they get to where they want to me.
It’d be a difference if Matisse and [Marial] didn’t listen then maybe I wouldn’t spend time or care with them but they listen and they are receptive and they want to get better, they work hard, they are in the gym. I root for guys like that because it reminds me of myself so it’s really more about the underdog mentality and have somebody to guide them in a way.
"Their story is even more powerful once they get to where they want to be.”@tobias31 on the importance of building relationships with younger players on the team. pic.twitter.com/hI8eTiGRVx
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 18, 2020
Shayok told Rookie Wire last month that Harris was instrumental in helping him transition to the NBA. His words of encouragement and leadership have been invaluable to the Sixers this season and it has certainly made a huge impact on the team.
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