Harris said it’s more important for him to contribute to winning basketball than hunt for his own shot: “That’s what winning basketball is all about.”
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The more he spoke, the more it sounded as if Tobias Harris had accepted that playing with James Harden has altered his role.
After missing 13 of 18 shots in Harden’s first two games with the 76ers, Harris spoke about getting fewer shots and not playing the role he is accustomed to. But instead of complaining, the standout power forward said his job is to do whatever is needed from him.
“We have an opportunity to fight for a championship and do what we can to win basketball games,” Harris said Tuesday after practice. “So your players, including myself, [doing] different things are going to [contribute] to winning basketball. It could be just being a leader in chemistry all the way down the line. That’s what winning basketball is all about.”
Harris averaged 15 shots and 18.6 points per game and had a large portion of the offense run through him before Harden made his debut on Friday.
But in the last two games, most of Harris’ touches have come off catch-and-shoot scenarios. As a result, Harris played out of rhythm and looked lost during stretches. He averaged nine shots and 9.0 points in those games.
The six points he scored on 2-for-9 shooting in Friday’s 133-102 road victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves tied a season low. However, Harris has had open looks. He has just missed them.
“I think my looks have been good,” Harris said. “Obviously, you know, I would love to make every single shot. But with time, I’ll begin to see where these looks come from during the course of the game and see where I can impose my will at times as well.
“But the ball is going to flow how it flows. And I’ve got to just be ready for whenever the opportunity comes my way and be OK with that. And I am.”
