Sixers forward Tobias Harris is seeing his role change again after a recent injury to James Harden, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. With Harden sidelined for about a month, Harris is being asked to carry more of the scoring load.
“Evolving into what the situation is when presented,” Harris said. “Sometimes that is going to be a space on the floor. And obviously at times, it’s limited play calls. But you just find other ways to adapt.”
Harris is averaging 15.0 PPG through 11 games this season, but that number has risen to 22.0 in the two games without Harden. He’s also taking on more play-making duties, setting up teammates for open three-point shots with drives to the basket.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a very good team basketball player in the half-court offense,” Harris said. “That’s something I was always able to do and be a part of.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Nets general manager Sean Marks refused to provide details when asked before tonight’s game why the team didn’t hire Ime Udoka, tweets Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. Marks also said there’s no update on Kyrie Irving‘s suspension, adding that he hasn’t talked directly with Irving, only to his representatives. Jacque Vaughn also said he hasn’t spoken to Irving (Twitter link). Vaughn explained that he wasn’t sure about his role in the Irving scenario while he was an interim coach, but that could change now that he’s been officially hired.
- Because he’s only signed through the 2023/24 season, Vaughn is effectively undergoing an “audition” for a longer-term role with the Nets, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (video link). Wojnarowski adds that if management is happy with the job Vaughn does, he could get an extension at the end of the season. Woj also addresses Irving’s suspension, saying “there’s still a lot in play” regarding when he might return.
- Raptors coach Nick Nurse is emphasizing defense to Precious Achiuwa, tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet. Nurse had a one-on-one film session with Achiuwa today, showing him defensive mistakes that he made. Nurse projected Achiuwa to play 25 to 30 minutes per night before the season began, but said he has to become more reliable defensively for that to happen.
Still can’t believe Nets chose Tobias Harris over Butler. That stopped a potential d dynasty
The Nets?
they didn’t
#LetKyriePlay
I am happy for Vaughn because he deserves this chance, but the whole Udoka’s situation is absurd. Unless there is something we are not aware of, a consensual relationship (even if it’s preceded by crude messages) shouldn’t be a reason to cancel someone.
I think it may be possible that the crude messages came afterwards because I think it mentioned something about the woman feeling uncomfortable. Either way,I think Boston should let him go if it’s clear they have no intention of bringing him back. I like Ime as a coach but the Nets don’t need another distraction right now and Vaughn deserves a chance to see what he can do for basically a whole season. He did good in the bubble and so far looks a lot better than Nash.
Celtics are hoping someone will hire him away to save $
I heard that as well. I’m a Nets fan but I live in MA so I get all the Celtics talk radio stuff. It’s funny. They pretty much stick to Celtics talk when it comes to the NBA but they still talk about Kyrie so much it’s like he never left.