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Los Angeles Clippers: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

By Aymin Bakr

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2018 NBA free agency tracker
Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images /

3. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell was included as a piece in the blockbuster trade that would send Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets and wasn’t expected to be much more than a solid defender and high-energy reserve. While Harrell certainly was both of those things this past season, he turned out to be a lot more.

In just 17 minutes per game, he averaged a solid 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 0.5 steals on an impressive 63.5 percent shooting from the field. These numbers don’t really pop out until they’re put into context. Per 36 minutes, Harrell averaged an All-Star caliber 23.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals. Furthermore, he was one of the most efficient players in the game last season and is capable of playing either the 4 or the 5 despite his 6’8″ frame.

With DeAndre Jordan taking up the majority of the minutes at the center slot last year, Harrell was confined to a reserve role. The recent Austin Rivers trade implies that Marcin Gortat will most likely chalk up most of the minutes at center and Harrell will retain a bench role. However, at 34 years old and a lot less athletic than Jordan, Gortat might not be playing as much as he has in previous years.

When the Clippers play small or want a more athletic big man that can still score and rebound, Harrell will certainly be in the mix.  He’s proven that he has the ability to perform when given enough time and can be a scary sight with more minutes freed up. He was given over 30 minutes in just six games last year and averaged an impressive 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals on 55 percent shooting from the field over the course of those games.

The term “breakout” is a little limited with Harrell considering he likely won’t be a consistent starter. However, if given around 22-25 minutes, he can definitely improve upon his already impressive statistics off the bench and have an even bigger impact on the team.

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