Philadelphia 76ers: Tobias Harris is more than just a consolation prize

While he may not have made the best introduction over his 39 game tenure, maxing out Tobias Harris is a boss move for the Philadelphia 76ers.

After what felt like an eternity, it finally happened: Tobias Harris is back with the Philadelphia 76ers on a five-year, $180 million deal.

Was this move entirely surprising? I guess that depends on who you ask, as Zach Lowe called the extension unlikely in his recent appearance on the ‘The J.J Redick Podcast‘, but after trading Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, and a pair of picks to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 26-year-old combo forward, clearly Elton Brand identified Harris as a player to build around for the foreseeable future.

With J.J. Redick now a Pelican, Harris instantly becomes the 76ers best shooter.

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Now some fans aren’t particularly excited about Harris’ prospects moving forward, as he wasn’t exactly a dominant force for Philly in his 39 games with the club last season, but honestly, what did you expect from a player traded in the middle of the season?

Sure, basketball is a bit more player-centric than, say, football, but I imagine it was a tough translation to not only playing in Brett Brown‘s scheme – which differs noticeably from that of Doc Rivers – but actually playing a different, hybrid position with varied responsibilities like none he’s held before.

Slotting in on the fly alongside a 6-foot-10 point guard who essentially plays power forward on defense is a pretty unique task, just ask Jimmy Butler, Dario Saric, or even Robert Covington.

With a full offseason to emerge himself in Philly’s system, culture, and style, it’s entirely possible Harris could come back in Year 2 (or 1.5) and rock it out as one of Philly’s top offensive options. While some may forget it, as he didn’t amaze down the stretch, Harris is a certified professional shooter who can knock down 3s in the 40s with ease.

Pretty much every team has a 6-foot-4 guy who knocks down 3s at a 40 percent clip, but having one who’s 6-foot-9, and capable of passing up a contested shot for an open look pretty much anywhere on the court is a max-level asset for a team with a firm window of contention.

Who knows, maybe Harris could even take up the mantle from Jimmy Butler and become a deceptively effective secondary playmaker with the ball in his hands.

That’s why this move is such a good one; Tobias Harris doesn’t turn 27 until July.

With the next four years firmly fixed in his prime, the 76ers are going to get all of Harris’ prime and finally give the recently re-upped forward some stability.

Over his first eight years in the league, Harris played for five different teams, 205 with the Magic, 157 games with the Pistons, 87 games for the Clippers, 70 games for the Bucks and 39 games for your hometown Philadelphia 76ers including their playoff run.

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With five-years now committed to play in Philadelphia (barring a trade), Harris will finally have a chance to settle into a system and grow around a team with championship aspirations. Great move for the Philadelphia 76ers.