The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Five free agent options at the center spot

By Ryan Aston

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound in front of Donovan Mitchell #45 and Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center on November 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 30: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound in front of Donovan Mitchell #45 and Jonas Jerebko #8 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Staples Center on November 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Montrezl Harrell LA Clippers
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 20: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers as seen during the game against the Utah Jazz on January 20, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Montrezl Harrell (RFA)

Montrezl Harrell may not be nailing threes all the time like you would ideally want to see from a 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward/center, but good things just seem to happen when he’s on the floor.

At least, that was the case for the LA Clippers last season, for whom Harrell enjoyed a breakout year. He averaged 11 points in just 17 minutes per contest in ’17-18, boasting an effective field goal percentage well north of 60. Meanwhile, the Clips scored 110 points per 100 poss. when he was on the court.

Really, though, he’s been more productive across the board. Harrell’s PER and VORP numbers, usage rate, rebound percentage, assists percentage, block percentage and turnover rate have all improved year over year each season he’s been in the Association.

Defensively, he’s undersized, but his massive length (his wingspan approaches 7-foot-5) and athleticism helps him out some. He’s never going to body up on Steven Adams and Clint Capela, but he’ll make some plays and has some switchability.

However, despite an improving rebounding rate, he can really struggle to corral balls among the trees in the paint. It’s probably the area where his lack of size shows up most.

Still, his hustle and energy helps him find some measure of success on both ends of the floor. Harrell is a terrific finisher, has a burgeoning mid-range game and he plays with heart. He’s also just 24.

He’s a restricted fee agent and the Clippers may be motivated to keep him with DAJ skipping town.

Next: Greg Monroe

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