Article: The NBA’s Most Underrated Player (Tobias Harris)

The NBA game is changing, and then so should the type of players made to thrive in it.  Modern NBA offenses need to emphasize floor spacing, but a team can’t field five J.J. Redicks simply because they can shoot.  NBA teams also need size and strength.  Thus, a new position, the Versatile Forward (VF), was born.  Forwards must have the size to defend bigger opponents and to rebound.  In the modern game, the best forwards, the VFs, will also be able to step out to the perimeter, shoot the 3, and in the ideal scenario, attack off the dribble.

This season, the Hawks have risen to the top of the East with a VF in Paul Millsap.  The Warriors lead the NBA with a VF in Draymond Green.  Last season, VFs LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard met in the Finals.  Across the league, teams are finding success with forwards that possess a truly versatile skill set.

This season, only six players averaged at least 15 points and 6 rebounds per game, while also shooting 35% (on at least two 3-point attempts per game).  Only six VFs met these minimum requirements.  They were Love, Millsap, Bosh, Durant, LeBron, and our mystery man.

Who might be missing?  This grossly undervalued NBA player is not only among the NBA’s elite VFs, but also the youngest by four years to make the list.

This player is only the 4th player in the last five seasons to meet the minimum requirements outlined above while still 22 years old or younger.  The others were Love, Durant and George.

The NBA’s most underrated player is Tobias Harris.

Harris is very dangerous with the ball in this position.  His 3-point shooting ability means his defender must play him close.  His ability to handle the ball on the drive, and his size and strength to finish at the hoop mean the other Orlando defenders must be prepared to help.  From the top of the key, Harris can drive left or right, and while driving down the lane, all Orlando players are an easy one pass away should the defense collapse on Harris.  Giving Harris the ball in this position is a good strategy for Orlando, and something they should consider doing a lot more.

Now imagine that instead of Payton and Dedmon on the weak side, Harris had Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap or Klay Thompson and Steph Curry.  In either situation, Harris would have two less defenders and one less offensive player in the lane.  Imagine how much more productive Harris would be as a playmaker with better shooters around him.  Imagine how much more efficient he could be driving to the hoop with less defenders in his path.

Inside-Outside Versatility
In the modern NBA game, the forward with the versatility to shoot from the perimeter, handle the ball on drives and post up is king.

The data shows that Harris is an efficient ball handler on the perimeter and possesses excellent shooting range.  Does his offensive versatility extend to the post?

According to Synergy, Harris had 106 post up possessions and averaged 1.04 points per possession (PPP).  He was the most efficient post up player in the NBA (among players with at least 100 post up possessions).

Final Thoughts
The numbers suggest that Tobias Harris is one of the better VFs in the NBA today. Statistically, he stands among some of the game’s biggest stars. He is only 22 years old and has been praised for his character and work ethic. Harris is certain to improve on his already first-class ability. Tobias Harris is the most underrated player in the NBA, but it won’t be long before he gets the credit he deserves.