Getting to know Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris

Today I’m going to be taking a look at Tobias Harris.

Here is what I’ve found (most info from draftexpress.com, nbadraft.net, youtube.)

Physicals

Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210 lbs

Birthday: 7-15-92 (18 year old; Freshman at Tennessee)

*Top 5 forward in draft, top 15 player

*SF/PF

Harris had a pretty good freshman year at Tennessee. He averaged approximately 15 points (46%) and 7 rebounds (2 offensive) in around 30 minutes of playing time. From what I’ve heard he was a guy you could count on night in and night out to go and get you 15-20ish points.

Like I have listed above, Harris can play the PF or the SF. Harris is probably undersized to play much PF in the NBA, but that will be no problem for him thanks to his above average ball handling (for his size) while will allow him to play the SF position. He can lead a team in a fast break and is more than willing to make the right pass/play. His dribbling also allow him to take on his man off the dribble, which is a plus for an NBA PF, but a must for a NBA SF. He often will grab a rebound on the defensive end, and then take it all the way to the other basket.

Shooting is somewhat of an issue for Harris, who will need to improve there if he wants to succeed as a SF in the NBA. He can hit the three, but does it at an inconsistent 30%. If he can improve his shooting/range his skill set will be even more versatile and might turn out to be a good NBA player. From what I watched, most of his scoring came right around the basket (lots of this in transition), with scattered jumpers and a few threes here and there. I also think that Harris makes good use of the glass on a lot of his close range shots.

Defensively, Harris probably about average. He has a good size and length to be a nice defender in the league, but probably lacks enough athletics to guard explosive forwards in the league.

As far as I know, the Jazz probably won’t be drafting Harris. Right now he is projected to go right after or at the very end of the lottery (around pick #15) but with the draft combine and team workouts/interviews his stock could climb into the range of the Jazz’s #12 pick. The Jazz might also take a look at him considering that CJ and AK don’t have a future locked in with Utah yet.