Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Maurice Harkless

Best Game of 2015

March 18 @ Dallas
18 pts., 8/15 FGs, 6 rebs., 4 steals

Maurice Harkless had just three games where he scored more than 10 points this season. This was by far his most productive and encouraging ouput of the season.

This game showed all the potential from Harkless that everyone had seen for the past two seasons and just needed for him to tap into consistently.

Harkless was not relegated to standing in the corner — although he did make two of his five 3-pointers on the night. He cut and slashed off the ball, got out in transition and scored. His defense was good too with four steals.

This was everything Harkless was meant to be. Why was this the only game he was able to do that?

One is opportunity.

With Tobias Harris, Willie Green and Dewayne Dedmon out, Harkless was put into the starting lineup. He played 36 minutes, his most this season and just one of two times he played more than 30 minutes this season. Opportunity is the key to success and Harkless had few of them. It was good to see him take advantage of the opportunity.

Two is desperation.

The Magic trailed by 20 points in this game and played with a lot of desperation and freedom. Elfrid Payton recorded his triple double and Harkless was given more opportunity to play in what seemed like meaningless minutes. Harkless was still a  -7 on the night.

A lot of his shots came around the rim which is exactly where you want Harkless trying to score. He had a few of his corner 3-pointers from the right corner. That is good to see too. But this was Harkless at his best.

Unfortunately, this was about the only time we saw it.

Next: 2016 Outlook