Tobias Harris: Numbers Versus ‘The Eye Test’

Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA;Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) shoots a three pointer over Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko (33) during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA;Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) shoots a three pointer over Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko (33) during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives the ball during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives the ball during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

What is the final word on Harris?

The overall picture of Harris is that of a guy whose scoring abilities do not really compensate for his other shortcomings. And that is really just not even in the mold of a Scott Skiles player.

It is a very harsh judgement to lay on Harris, but without a concerted effort to be a more efficient player and better defender, he just stagnates here and is perpetually that “poor man’s Carmelo Anthony,” for better or worse.

Harris is a complicated guy to evaluate because the basic numbers illustrate a good scorer who is really on the cusp of being an All Star even. But that is not the final metric to evaluate success, and wins only come as a result of doing the smaller things that do not show up in the stat sheet. Charges are one that nearly does show up, and Harris shows an utter inability to force turnovers in that manner.

At this point, without a stronger effort from Harris, he is going to remain a guy who is only worth the $16 million per season on the basis of points and rebounds.

That is just not enough.

Next: Have we undersold Tobias Harris?