Utah Jazz Top 5 Early Potential Free Agent Targets: Small Forwards
By Ryan Aston
Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tobias Harris, Orlando Magic
Tobias Harris will be a restricted free agent this summer and Orlando may be willing forge ahead without his services. This could allow the Jazz to bypass the usual hang-ups that go along with restricted free agency and sign one of the more intriguing young players in the league.
The six-foot-nine, 235 pound Harris can play the three or the four and is enjoying a career year offensively for the Magic. For the season, he is averaging 17.2 points, over six rebounds and two assists per game.
Moreover, he has evolved into a significant threat on the corner three, connecting on 38-percent from the left side of the floor and over 53-percent on the right.
Defensively, his results leave something to be desired. The Magic have posted a defensive rating of 107 with Harris on the floor this season. Sharing the floor with the likes of Dante Exum, Elijah Millsap, Favors, Gobert, etc. would hopefully compensate for any shortcomings he might have.
Either way, there’s something to be said for guys who can score from multiple spots on the floor and in a variety of ways. Frankly, the Jazz offense could use players of that ilk. He’s also one of the good guys in the league and was recently named a finalist for the NBA’s citizenship award.
Next: 2. DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta Hawks