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NBA: 10 under the radar players to look out for in 2015-16

By Tom West

Dec 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Tyreke Evans (1) celebrates with teammate point guard Jrue Holiday (11) after hitting a shot to take the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Tyreke Evans (1) celebrates with teammate point guard Jrue Holiday (11) after hitting a shot to take the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the New Orleans Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tobias Harris

Weighing in at 6’8″ and a sturdy 226 lbs, Tobias Harris has the build of a prototypical NBA combo-forward. With the likes of LeBron, Durant and Carmelo Anthony around, it’s hard for other small forwards to come anywhere near their reputation as elite scorers. Obviously Harris doesn’t belong in that conversation, yet his versatile scoring abilities are still rarely discussed.

From Harris’ career best 36.4 percent three point shooting to his reliable 68.7 finishing at the rim, he has emerged as a versatile weapon on the perimeter and in the paint. Even though his midrange game is still relatively inconsistent, the fact that Harris has acquired a smooth stroke from deep while maintaining the ability to post-up shows how diverse his offensive skill set is.

In 2014-15, he put everything together to record a career best 17.7 points per 36 minutes. Counter in his rebounding to the equation (7.5 per game for his career), and you can see that his unique set of attributes will be a valuable part of the Magic’s rebuild.

There’s no question that Harris is talented, but as a B-class small forward in a league so overloaded with elite scorers, playing for a team that won a mere 25 games last season, it’s not surprising that Tobias Harris receives little attention. However, the potential is there.

On a young Magic roster full of young talent, surrounded by Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja and Nikola Vucevic, Harris may be able to step more into the spotlight as Orlando slowly increases its win total.

Next: Zach LaVine

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