NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia 76ers were in need of an enforcer. While grabbing PJ Tucker this offseason was a smart move, they were still lacking a player who will do the dirty work in the trenches. Look no longer, Montrezl Harrell is that guy. Joel Embidd is a force in the paint bet he nor Tucker possesses those Dennis Rodman-like qualities that can push a team over the top. Harrell will provide scoring, rebounding, and toughness that’s desperately needed in either a reserve or starting role.
Last season, they rode the rebounding and sometimes offensive outburst from Andre Drummond before he was shipped off to the Brooklyn Nets in the trade deadline deal that netted them James Harden. Heading into this season, the 76ers will rely on the services of 2nd-year big, Charles Bassey. In his first season with the 76ers, Bassey averaged 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 23 games. There needs to be more production from the backup role.
Harrell, with the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Nuggets last season, averaged around 12 points and 5 rebounds in just over 22 minutes per game in a reserve role for both teams. The 76ers front office got a steal with Harrell and will pay the reserve C/F $5.2M over 2 years.
The lineup for the 76ers reads like one for a lot of teams. Heavy on the guards and wing players but short on bigs. With stretch 4 and Centers playing more on the perimeter, the era of a true low post big man is almost obsolete. But adding Harrell to this roster will give the 76ers a clear advantage over many teams in the NBA, especially in the Eastern Conference.
Imagine Doc Rivers having the choice to play both Embiid and Harrell in the frontcourt together to pair with Tobias harris, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey. Who in the East can stop that? Championships are won on the defensive side of the ball and with hustle. No matter what you say about what Stephen Curry did during the Warriors’ championship run last season, it was the defense and hustle of Green and the others who provided the dirty work that drove that team. This is what the 76ers needed to get over that hump.
The 76ers Are Loaded
Throughout his career, Harrell has been consistent. The issue that many have with his play is that he is not a starter. He’s won Sixth Man of the Year while with the Los Angeles Clippers but in over 450 career games, Harrell has stated just 29. While many may call for him to start over Tucker, the 2nd unit is where the 76ers are in need of his contributions.
Pairing Harrell with Georges Niang, Danuel House Jr, Shake Milton, and D’Anthony Melton will give the 76ers not only great scoring options off the bench but a much deeper and better unit defensively than what they had the season prior.
But let’s also take into account that Embiid has not played a full season since his arrival in Philly. And now with a solid backup, Embiid missing any significant time will not be a major dropoff in production from the 76ers in the paint as it would in the past.
Harrell is not the player who stands around on the perimeter. He likes to mix it up, get in opponents’ faces, cause havoc, and loves to talk trash. A lot of teams talk about a missing piece, well, he’s exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers have been missing.
Of course, the games still must be played but on paper. However, this appears to be the perfect fit for both parties.
