Big game for Manny Harris
In a loss to houston today, Harris shot 9-16 (3-4 3pt) for 21pts, with 9 rbs (5 oreb), 5 ast, and only 1 turnover.
This is the fifth time this season that hes scored 19 pts or more.
Its hard to get a good read on harris, given the inconsistency in playing time. In Clevelands last five games (including today), harris has logged: five minutes, zero minutes, three minutes, zero minutes, twenty six minutes.
But I'm curious as to what people think harris's future in the nba looks like. Is he a six man type, with scoring off the bench? Is he a future starter?
At this point it seems like consistency and shot selection continue to be issues, but both can be fixed with proper coaching and more maturity. He also needs to add another 20 lbs of muscle
February 24th, 2011 at 12:26 AM ^
Best case scenario: Mainly a scorer, bounce around between being a 6th or 7th guy on a decent team or a starter on a bottom 10 team.
Most likely: Journeyman "scorer" known for his ability to provide a spark, but not to be someone who can be counted on for consitency.
Worst case scenario: Euro-League!!!!
February 24th, 2011 at 12:29 AM ^
But this is in no way OT. Manny represents the start of a resurgence in Michigan basketball and is always on topic!
He is reminiscent of a Rajon Rondo as far as being a bit taller, skinnier and quick with his handles. I think he will be big deal in the NBA and when his outside shot catches up to the rest of his game, he will be a beast, can't wait!
February 24th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^
he's actually shooting over 37% from 3pt so the outside shot hasnt been an issue. he may be similar to rondo in that hes skinny, but he certainly doesnt have rondo's handle. he has a very quick first step which allows him to drive to the basket, but he doesnt have a great handle by any means. hope your right about his future though.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:10 AM ^
not really comparable to Rondo at all. Manny's 6-5 (Rondo is 6-1), really a 2 guard no matter where you play him, no where near the same court vision, better shooter, worse ball handler.
I love Manny for what he did for M bball, but he's not really that similar at all to one of the top 10 players in the league right now
February 24th, 2011 at 12:48 AM ^
Look at the +/-
Entire starting lineup was - and entire bench was + for the game
February 24th, 2011 at 2:22 AM ^
His archetype as a player is as a scorer/creator. To succed at that in the NBA, you must be really really good because only a few guys per teams can fulfill a ball dominant role like this.
The physical talent is there for him, but to be able to do this he has to adress some skill set weaknesses. He is a good rebounder, FT shooter and finisher around the basket while being a passable outside shooter. He must improve his off the dribble and midrange shooting and his court vision and passing instincts (which will only come with playing time).
Most likely he doesnt improve these areas enough to become the focus of an NBA offense. If he is dangerous enough, he can find a role as a bench scorer (Marcus Thorton/Jamal Crawford).
In college, he was an inefficient high usage player and typically efficiency doesnt rise at the next level if a players role is kept the same. It is possible that he can't make it in the NBA being the type of player he's been his whole life. In that case, he has to re-invent himself. This separates the talented guys who wash out of the league and the ones who carve out 10-12 year careers.
If he can work on his defense and improve his outside shot to a 38-40% clip, he can be a wing defender and play off the ball mostly on offense, while also having an attack game which would make closeouts dangerous for the opposition.
If Harris sees his chances slipping away, he must put in the work in the gym to give himself the best chance at success. Guys who are committed to playing defense and can make open 3's can overcome advantages that other guys have because they don't need possessions (something most players crave). Guys like Aaron Afflalo, Courtney Lee, Nic Batum and a re-invented Richard Jefferson are invaluable to NBA teams because they provide a relatively scarce commodity. If Harris can become that, his chances of success skyrocket.
If he doesn't improve his game (and stay the same type of player he is now) or doesn't want to transform his game (and become selfless) or is unable to, he will wash out of the league.
February 24th, 2011 at 6:32 AM ^
...he plays for Cleveland. If he was on any other team, he probably would never see any playing time.
February 24th, 2011 at 8:23 AM ^
He's definitely capable of having some nice games - we all saw that at UM - but I wonder how his stats would look on a better team. He really does need to have the ball in his hands to be effective, and playing 25-30 minutes a game and taking 16 shots will usually net you double-digits in scoring. The rebounds are surprising, but I don't know Houston's guard situation to know if this is typical or not.
I wish Manny the best and hope he succeeds in the NBA, but it will be interesting to see how his numbers fare on a different team with more consistent minutes.
February 24th, 2011 at 8:49 AM ^
away a lot of his competition for PT. They sent Mo WIlliams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers for B Davis and a 1st rounder. Anthony Parker will be leaving sometime today as well, I BKFinest that. That leaves the Cavs with B Davis and Ramon Sessions at the point, and Manny splitting time with Christian Eyenga at SG (I'm hoping). There could also be some odd backcourt tandems featuring B Davis and Sessions with Manny and Eyenga as subs. Or, the Cavs could trun around and move B Davis immediately and open the door wide for Manny, although that is doubtful
The reason Manny's PT has been limited lately is because the Cavs were showcasing guys to hopefully trade them. Once the trade deadline passes, I expect Manny's PT to increase, as the Cavs see what they have in their younger talent (Manny, Eyenga, Hickson, etc).
I think Byron Scott is a great coach to help Manny stay in the league for a long time. If Manny picks up what Coach Scott lays down (toughness, work ethic, defense) then I think he can easily be an effective 6th man/spot starter for years to come, if not more successful.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:25 PM ^
Don't forget booby gibson. he can be played at the 1 or 2 because of his height and shooting ability.
February 24th, 2011 at 8:50 AM ^
This is the NBA, each year like 20-25 guys actually make it, and stick. He lucked into a chance and he seems to be making the most of it. That said. There is almost no way you can project the future because if he doesnt have the room to grow, the NBA is unforgiving with the number of players trying to fill roles.
If this was the NFL, he would have a spot on special teams reserved for him at a minimum. But the NBA is either your a star or its Europe.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:20 AM ^
I see him as a cross between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, but with more muscle and jumping ability than James and a better tendency to succeed in the clutch than Kobe.
-Fred Jackson
February 24th, 2011 at 9:43 AM ^
31 years old, bad knee, he's going to gain 20 lbs, never play hard and chuck up 35 shots a game. He has 2 YEARS! on his deal left after this season. Oh great, we have 2 lottery picks in a draft that is absolutely terrible.
February 24th, 2011 at 10:57 AM ^
You might want to be careful using the term "we" to describe a team from Ohio on this blog. You aren't going to get much sympathy here.
February 24th, 2011 at 2:26 PM ^
I was simply giving my opinion of the Cavs trade in a thread about a Cavs player after the trade was already mentioned in the thread earlier.
Don't worry, I'll try and remember that I might be in the presence of a hard ass like yourself, and I'll contemplate whether or not I should contribute. After all, it would be very damaging for my self esteem if I was bullied inside of an internet message board.
Let me guess, you typed out that reply, folded your arms, leaned back in your chair, and then nodded your head in a very self satisfied way while you maybe even smirked a little bit? Next time I'll "be more careful" , douche.
February 24th, 2011 at 1:41 PM ^
is going to tank the rest of the season and the contract. He'll have some mysterious injury that he'll have to miss most of the season.
February 24th, 2011 at 9:54 AM ^
Tyrone Biggums "I smoke rocks"