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The Orlando Magic put rumors to rest after resigning Tobias Harris

By Carson Ingle

Mar 25, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) goes for a layup over Portland Trail Blazers forward Thomas Robinson (41) as the Orlando Magic beat the Portland Trail Blazers 95-85 at Amway Center. Harris had a game-high 25 points. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) goes for a layup over Portland Trail Blazers forward Thomas Robinson (41) as the Orlando Magic beat the Portland Trail Blazers 95-85 at Amway Center. Harris had a game-high 25 points. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic re-signed Tobias Harris amidst a whirlwind of noise that was mostly just that.

Speculation about Tobias Harris’ future started last offseason when the Magic chose to prioritize the re-signing of center Nikola Vucevic over Harris. When the 22-year-old forward did not reach a deal by the October 31 deadline, many wondered if he felt slighted by the organization.

Despite those concerns from some, Harris was routinely clear during the season he wanted to remain in Orlando.

He got a chance after Tuesday’s official announcement of a deal to state that desire again.

“You just never know in free agency, but this is where I wanted to be,” said Harris. “Throughout the entire process, I had my mind set on coming back here the whole entire time. I’m happy it worked out this way.”

Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Orlando won 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Orlando won 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Most of the recent debate around whether Harris would stay or go centered on his relationship with his first NBA head coach and new Magic hire Scott Skiles. Reports even as recently as two weeks ago pitted the two against each other.

Skiles denied such a problem during his introductory press conference in May and scoffed at mention of it again Tuesday. Harris also added the man who saw him through his early pro days with the Milwaukee Bucks was actually an added bonus toward returning.

“We have a great relationship,” Harris said. “I’ve always said he’s a coach that taught me a great NBA system. He really helped my career. It’s going to great to play for him again. I’m a different player than I was.”

Some of the Magic’s moves this offseason also raised questions about whether the Harris-Skiles reunion would occur. The drafting of another wing player in Mario Hezonja and the organization’s flirtation with Atlanta Hawks’ free agent Paul Millsap indicated they could be ready to move on.

Those circumstances perhaps led to varying accounts about what Orlando was willing to commit to Harris. With the reported four-year, $64 million deal, general manager Rob Hennigan and the rest of the organization sent a clear message.

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    • “I think Tobias works incredibly hard at his craft, and that’s one of the things we really value about Tobias and really like about him,” Hennigan said. “And so I think [after] the improvements he made last year, our vision and our hope is that it’ll continue to snowball and he’ll continue to show improvement year after year after year.”

    Now it will be up to Harris to make that jump to the next level and live up to a deal that reportedly will pay him an average of $16 million annually. Last year’s early-season flirtation with an All-Star bid and a 36.4 percent shooting mark from three certainly indicate that progress is possible.

    However, alongside those positives, there are also questions about a willingness to defend and fit with the rest of the Magic roster. Despite the concerns, both Harris and the Orlando decision makers realized they were best served by being together for the time being.

    The hope now is Harris develops into an upper-echelon player and lifts the Magic up with him.

    “I definitely do,” said Harris when asked if he wants to be viewed as a franchise cornerstone. “That’s my goal. I’ve always wanted to have that type of load. At the same time, our team has to take steps in the right direction. We have to crank it up a notch this upcoming season.”

    Next: Tobias Harris Relationship With Skiles Made Murky by False Narrative