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Orlando Magic would still be wise to retain Maurice Harkless

By Brett David Roberts

Jan 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Maurice Harkless (21) brings the ball up court during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Magic 107-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Maurice Harkless (21) brings the ball up court during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Magic 107-88. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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When you give Moe a chance

Let’s look at this logically:

Harkless saw 26 minutes or more in just four games this season. In those games, Harkless posted an average of 8.2 points (on 38 percent shooting) with 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks/steals per game.

It is not outstanding, but the defensive numbers are eyebrow-raising.

Harkless’ biggest weakness is that he does not finish otherwise great offensive plays. He shoots 59 percent at the rim — but just 36.8 percent from 3-10 feet, and an intolerable 17.9 percent on threes this year (though he was 36.8 percent with a much bigger sample size in 2014).

By all accounts, he saw a reduction in minutes, role and quality time last season — and that will have to change with a new coach. Each Magic player will have an opportunity with an entire new staff, and Harkless will have a fresh start to impress them.

What we saw in the game against Boston — and also against Dallas — is he can be an elite defender at three positions, with the ability to cover both a team’s point guard or either wing spot.

He even saw time covering Damian Lillard in the Magic’s two games against the Trail Blazers this year, and he did an exceptional job of frustrating him.

Harkless is rangy and a great athlete, but he has not figured out how to finish through contact and in fact has never attempted more than two free throws per game in any of his first three seasons.

All of those talents are worth more than a stab in the dark, which is the best the Magic will be offered at this point if obtaining a late-second round pick. No early second rounders will be obtained for him, but in the latter half of the second round there may be a team willing to do a pick/cash deal for Harkless.

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Reports that the Lakers are interested in this former Atlanta Hawks wing
Reports that the Lakers are interested in this former Atlanta Hawks wing /

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    • Orlando should by no means do such a deal.

    Harkless may not have developed extensively in three seasons, but he has one last shot and still does those same things he did three years ago when expectations were becoming much higher.

    The bar is set low for Harkless at this point — and given his leaping ability, there is a good chance he jumps well over it, if given the chance.

    Next: Maurice Harkless Player Evaluation