With the NBA Season now under way The AOSN decided it was a good time to start yet another “Stud” special but this time for the NBA. The AOSN did one called “Stud Watch” for the MLB Season and will now carry it over to the NBA Season. The criteria for this special is simple, they are basketball players who produce “stud like” numbers but don’t get the recognition they deserve. These players aren’t household names, but after this special we are hoping you start paying more attention to these players. So sit back, and enjoy!
Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic, SF/PF
Harris played for the Tennessee Volunteers as a freshman for coach Bruce Pearl. He played a point forward position, a mix between forward and point guard, in Pearl’s unique offense. As a freshman, he averaged 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. In May 2011, he announced that he would enter the NBA draft, thereby foregoing his final three years of college eligibility. Harris was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats. He was later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on draft night. On December 10, 2011, he signed a multi-year deal with the Bucks.
On October 24, 2012, the third-year option on Harris’ contract was exercised by the Bucks.
On February 21, 2013, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic along with Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih with Milwaukee receiving J. J. Redick, Gustavo Ayón and Ish Smith. Harris’ playing time saw a notable increase in Orlando, and his stats followed suit. Harris more than tripled his points per game output, and more than quadrupled his rebounds, assists and blocks per game. On January 24, 2014, Harris recorded a career high 20 rebounds in a win over the Lakers. On March 2, 2014, Harris recorded a career high 31 points in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Strengths
- Creates offense
- Great rebounder
- Solid 3 point shooter
- Great free throw shooter
Once Tobias Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic you could tell that he had a huge chip on his shoulders. The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t know what kind of player they had on their hands in Harris and they are kicking themselves now after trading Harris. When Harris started seeing major minutes with the Magic he started to show off his offense skill set with his ability to create offense. He has a great ability to attack the rim to create easier buckets for himself, while also being able to drain down 3’s behind the arc. When Harris attacks the rim he has great strength to finish his layups and dunks, if he is fouled he has no trouble making his free throws. Generating points isn’t the only skill Harris has, he is also a great rebounder! He can be a double-double machine sooner than later in his career. He has great strength and size that makes it hard for opposing players to box him out.
Outlook
Tobias Harris has one of the brightest futures on this young Orlando Magic team. He plays like a veteran and has a lot of confidence in himself to carry the team on his back. He has great offensive strengths. He has a great post game, attacks the rim with ease, and has a silky smooth shoot behind the arc. For a player that plays the Strong Forward position he is a huge mismatch for his defenders. He is able to create his own offense and can rebound with the best of them. He may not get a lot of attention because he plays in Orlando but they certainly do have a bright future with Harris on the team.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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