NEW YORK–Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has been a man of many hats and many roles during his time in the City of Brotherly Love. He has been counted on to be the No. 2 option, a go-to scorer, a 3-and-D player, a defender, and everything else in between.
In Philadelphia’s first round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, Harris averaged 20.3 points on 56.7% shooting and he was 8-for-14 from deep. He also pulled down 8.8 rebounds and he did a terrific job of defending the Nets out on the perimeter.
Harris has had to change his role almost weekly in order to help the Sixers succeed and Philadelphia has been in need of all of it.
“Not a lot of guys like it, really,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I say it all the time to different people, you go back to when I first met him. He was my No. 1 option with the Clippers and I come to Philly and he’s 2, then 3, then 4, but he just does all the other stuff. There are times when he’s 2 and 3, but it’s not an easy thing.”
Harris’ ability to just understand what needs to be done for the betterment of the team has been helpful for the Sixers and it also sets an example for his teammates to follow.
“He shows up every day no matter what’s asked of him,” added Georges Niang. “Whether it’s guarding the best player or being a real scoring threat when they’re doubling other guys, he’s just a consummate pro and I think it speaks volumes to his character.”
A lot of guys would have a tough time being asked to do different things or things that may be considered “beneath them”, but Harris has done what is asked of him with no complaints.
“Everything that he’s gone through this year, no matter what happens, you’re gonna get a consistent effort out of him,” Niang added. “That doesn’t always happen in professional sports.”
Of course, it helps that the Sixers are succeeding and they’re winning. If they weren’t, maybe things don’t go as smoothly, but Philadelphia is happy with what they are receiving out of Harris at the moment.
“A lot of guys can’t do it,” Rivers added. “You have to be on a good team, obviously, because selling that role is easier when you have a chance to do that. He’s committed himself to that so it’s made it easier.”
The Sixers will need Harris to continue to produce at a high level as they advance on this postseason run.
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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire