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Tobias Harris a major piece for the Orlando Magic?

By Andrew Melnick

Mar 2, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12) during the second half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Amway Center. Orlando defeated Philadelphia 92-81. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12) during the second half of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Amway Center. Orlando defeated Philadelphia 92-81. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Instead of pursuing stars in free agency or through a trade, the Magic have built through the draft and by dealing for younger players. One of the successful deals they’ve pulled off so far came when they dealt a package headlined by J.J. Redick to the Milwaukee Bucks for Tobias Harris, among others, back in 2013. Redick left the Bucks at the end of the season while Harris has been a more-than-solid player for the Magic.

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Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders believes Harris can be a major piece of the Magic but wants to see improvement in his three-point shooting and defense.

"Harris is a gifted scorer, but will need to improve his three-point shooting to hit the next level in his development. This is especially true since teammate Maurice Harkless will be competing with Harris this upcoming season for playing time at small forward. Harkless shot 38.3 percent from three-point range last season, and successfully guarded some of the best players in the league. As a talented 3-and-D prospect, Harkless could take some significant playing time away from Harris if he is unable to stretch the floor out to the three-point line.At age 22, Harris has a lot of potential to improve and become a major piece for the Orlando Magic moving forward. With a clean bill of health and a little bit of luck, this year may be a big one for Harris."

Harris has already proven to be an excellent player for the Magic and if he makes the improvements Blancarte suggests, he may turn himself into an all-star.

Harris put up 14.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 25.4% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the charity stripe. In his career, he’s averaged 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the floor, 28.0% from three and 79.1% from the free throw line.

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