2018 NBA Mock Draft: The summer is decision time

The folklore surrounding Maurice Harkless’ contract incentives for reaching the 35 percent mark as a 3-point shooter each season is legendary by now. Besides the hilarious ends to which he has gone chasing that extra cash, barely shooting to end last season, the reason there is such a focus on his shooting is because of how important it is for Portland in their quest to keep defenses honest.

So much of what the Blazers do on offense is based upon the threat of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum roaming around the court. When the ball is out of their hands, they are running through screens and drawing attention away from the ball. If their number is called, each is capable of doing incredible things as shooters and finishers.

It’s very difficult to manufacture points when the floor is not spaced. That puts heavy pressure on Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu to make open 3s, and on Portland’s front office more broadly to continue to target players who can do so. Ideally, they also play defense, but what Musa lacks on that end he makes up for with offensive upside.

He can drive and score in a variety of ways, and could really become a 20-point scorer off the bench if he reaches his potential. The Blazers need shooting, but even more importantly, in Musa they could find a shooter with shot creation potential.