[high floorParticipant]

Harkless is a guy that possesses elite physical tools. He stands 6’9, 225 lbs. He has a 7’1 wingspan and a 37" vertical. Also, during the 2012 combine he posted the 8th fastest agility drill at the draft combine among all participants. I’ve seen him explode (in traffic) off one foot several times in both the half and full court. With this type of profile, why has he struggled to find playing time on a 25 win team?

I think it was a combination of a couple things: Lack of confidence to dribble penetrate, poor free throw shooting and a slightly laid back demeanor that didn’t mesh with Coach Vaughn. Guys like Victor Oladipo, Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton just seem a little more scrappy. This being a contract year, I’m wondering if Harkless gets more aggressive and puts his game together for newly appointed head coach Scott Skiles. It wasn’t long ago the Maurice Harkless and Paul George were used in the same sentence.. and nobody gasped.

Is he being miscast as a wing, and would he thrive more in the post a la Terrence Jones if he added weight? Also is this a moot point if Orlando matches Tobias Harris RFA offer? Harkless is still very young, and the optimist in me doesn’t want to give up on him. I also heard several teams inquired about him at last year’s deadline, yet he wasn’t moved. Would love to see him get 25+ minutes per game this year and show what he can do.

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 If the Magic keep Harris Harkless needs a change of scenery. If they let him go or sign and trade which seems to be what Harris wants as reported then it would be a great opportunity for the Magic to draft Porzingis and give some more time and committment to Harkless. Usually having a young star player on a young team that doesn’t want to be there or has a bad attitude is not a great idea.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 If the Magic keep Harris Harkless needs a change of scenery. If they let him go or sign and trade which seems to be what Harris wants as reported then it would be a great opportunity for the Magic to draft Porzingis and give some more time and committment to Harkless. Usually having a young star player on a young team that doesn’t want to be there or has a bad attitude is not a great idea.

[sweaterflexParticipant]

If Maurice Harkless was too laid back for Jacque Vaughn, it is hard to imagine him fitting with Scott Skiles, a coach notorious for his control freak tendencies.  I’d like to see the Clippers make a move for him, maybe a trade for CJ Wilcox straight up would work.  The 76ers should also consider offering a second rounder or two for him.  I think he still fits best as a 3, and the Magic have truly mishandled him. 

[sweaterflexParticipant]

If Maurice Harkless was too laid back for Jacque Vaughn, it is hard to imagine him fitting with Scott Skiles, a coach notorious for his control freak tendencies.  I’d like to see the Clippers make a move for him, maybe a trade for CJ Wilcox straight up would work.  The 76ers should also consider offering a second rounder or two for him.  I think he still fits best as a 3, and the Magic have truly mishandled him. 

[omphalosParticipant]

I think Harkless just lacks high-level coordination on the basketball court, he doesn’t move very fluidly and this hurts his ability to handle the ball and create his own shot.

He used his physicality to produce in college, but I don’t see him ever being a starter for a good team, unless he’s the glue guy on a stacked roster.

 

[omphalosParticipant]

I think Harkless just lacks high-level coordination on the basketball court, he doesn’t move very fluidly and this hurts his ability to handle the ball and create his own shot.

He used his physicality to produce in college, but I don’t see him ever being a starter for a good team, unless he’s the glue guy on a stacked roster.

 

[wildpfingParticipant]

Maurice should thrive under Skiles. Watching almost every Magic game last year, it looked to me like we were at our best when Harkless was on the floor. His offense is understandably limited, but his defense is incredible. I think people forget that this kid was drafted at 19, and he’s still only 21 (I think) years old. Skiles, being a defensive minded coach, might end up playing Harkless more than Tobias (if we match whatever offer he gets). Harkless is a gifted athlete, and I’m not sure why Vaughn buried him on the end of the bench.

[wildpfingParticipant]

Maurice should thrive under Skiles. Watching almost every Magic game last year, it looked to me like we were at our best when Harkless was on the floor. His offense is understandably limited, but his defense is incredible. I think people forget that this kid was drafted at 19, and he’s still only 21 (I think) years old. Skiles, being a defensive minded coach, might end up playing Harkless more than Tobias (if we match whatever offer he gets). Harkless is a gifted athlete, and I’m not sure why Vaughn buried him on the end of the bench.

[Author]

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