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NBA free agency: OKC should consider rolling with energetic big man Montrezl Harrell

By Alex Mcewen

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to shoot against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the game at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to shoot against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the game at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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NBA Free Agency
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 25: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on March 25, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Montrezl Harrell has been productive on both teams he has played on, yet he remains unsigned during NBA Free Agency. Could Harrell potentially help the OKC Thunder?

Montrezl Harrell was essentially a throw-in piece last season when the Houston Rockets traded for Chris Paul. Houston shipped Harrell to Los Angeles and while they did not miss him, LA certainly benefited from Harrell’s presence.

Harrell was having a decent season before the Clippers dealt Blake Griffin to the Pistons. However, after the deal, Harrell’s production and minutes increased. The fact Harrell remains unsigned is perplexing and sheds light on how poor the 2018 NBA free agency market is.

Statline:

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm G MP FG FGA FG% 2P 2PA 2P% eFG% FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PF PTS
2015-16 22 HOU 39 9.7 1.5 2.3 .644 1.5 2.3 .652 .644 1.2 .522 0.6 1.0 1.7 0.4 0.3 0.3 1.2 3.6
2016-17 23 HOU 58 18.3 3.9 5.9 .652 3.9 5.8 .663 .654 2.1 .628 1.4 2.4 3.8 1.1 0.3 0.7 2.2 9.1
2017-18 24 LAC 76 17.0 4.6 7.2 .635 4.6 7.1 .641 .636 2.9 .626 1.4 2.7 4.0 1.0 0.5 0.7 1.9 11.0
Career 173 15.8 3.6 5.7 .642 3.6 5.6 .650 .643 2.2 .614 1.2 2.2 3.4 0.9 0.4 0.6 1.8 8.7

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/9/2018.

Harrell’s minutes went from 15.4 to 19.1 per game after the Griffin trade. Along with increased minutes Harrell’s points, rebounds, field goal percentage, and assists saw a rise as well.

It’s not uncommon to see players take on larger roles when a superstar departs, but Harrell handled the added workload exceptionally well.

Player Specifics

  • Height: 6′8″
  • Position: PF/C
  • Age: 24-164 days
  • Years of experience in NBA: 3
  • Type of Free Agent: Restricted
  • Hometown: Tarboro, North Carolina
  • Salary the previous season: $1.4 million

The fact Harrell is 24 years old should have sent his stock skyrocketing. Instead, its July 11th and he has yet to sign anywhere. Perhaps Harrell being a restricted free agent is factoring into his lack of offers. And, if Harrell gets a low offer the Clippers will surely match it, or teams could be hesitant to tie up what little cap space remains.

Wherever Harrell ultimately ends up, his team will be gaining or (if the Clippers) retaining a solid, gritty, high energy player.

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