1. Maurice Harkless
Maurice Harkless really seemed like a player that was turning the corner in 2016-17, his fifth year in the NBA. In 77 games and 69 starts, he averaged 10.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field. He consistently showed off his athletic skill while also being an efficient shooter when his number was called.
However, the 2017-18 season has seen him regress quite a bit. In 49 games, Harkless is averaging 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range. His drop in production led him to lose his starting job to Evan Turner 18 games into the season. That reality is particularly glaring because Turner is neither athletic nor an efficient scorer.
Unlike the previous two Blazers on this list, Harkless is not in a contract year. In fact, he is still owed nearly $32.5 million through the 2019-20 season. Instead, this is a matter of redemption.
Harkless was the starting small forward for most of last season and comported himself well in that role. With his skill-set in relation to the team’s needs — more reliable offense on the wings — he could take back that role any day. His 22 points on Dec. 23 against the Los Angeles Lakers and his 19 points and eight rebounds on Feb. 4 against the Boston Celtics prove that.
Next: 2017-18 Week 19 NBA Power Rankings
The second half of this season would be the perfect opportunity for him to raise his level of play and work his way back into the starting five. A highly effective Mo Harkless could potentially change the complexion of the team and help push them beyond the seventh seed.