Tobias Harris has proven himself to be a scorer, and teams need that, be it starting or otherwise.
Yet, despite Harris’ natural scoring ability, he does not necessarily make teammates better. His skill set is formidable as either a 3 or a 4, but it is difficult to imagine him getting worlds better than he is now.
Most importantly, of course, is that the Magic played great ball while Harris was on the shelf, even further suggesting his scoring is not as indispensable as one might have thought.
That said, the Magic need some help at the rim. Jacque Vaughn has received immense criticism, but the fact is, that at times he just lacks the personnel to stop opposing teams’ offenses.
Kenneth Faried would change that, and he would also address the Magic’s need for a rim protector.
The principal pieces in this trade would be Harris and Faried. The auxiliary parts feature Wilson Chandler and Channing Frye, to balance the long term contract of Faried — a four-year, $50 million extension kicks in next season.
The Magic would be locking into five years of Kenneth Faried, the “Manimal,” a rebounding beast whose efforts would please the Amway crowd. There’s nothing not to love about hustle.
Next: How Kenneth Faried fits