Los Angeles Clippers: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19

1. Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris is currently eligible to earn a max contract worth $188 million from the Clippers or $145 million from other teams. While he was one of the most efficient and effective players in the game last season, he still has yet to be selected to an All-Star game.

The Western Conference is very competitive, especially at the forward slot, so this isn’t a huge deal but the point still remains. This past season, Harris was able to average an impressive 19.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 41.4 percent shooting from 3-point land.

However, despite the impressive and efficient play, the 6’8″ forward is going to need to do a lot more if he wants to prove he’s worth superstar money.

I’ve preached time and time again on why Harris is an underrated All-Star level player, but he’s not a superstar just yet. With a clear playmaker this season and Lou Williams as the only other major offensive threat on the team for right now, Harris is going to need to make the jump to All-Star level status this season to prove he’s worth the major contract.

Yes, many players get high-paying contracts that are way less deserving than Harris, but declining the $80 million extension made a statement. Tobias Harris told the world that he was worth so much more and this season is the perfect opportunity for him to prove it.

If Harris averages similar stats to last season, not many people will be truly upset as he’s still a top-tier combo forward. However, out of everyone on the team, he’s got arguably the most to prove. He played just 32 games in the Clippers’ system last season and will have more experience in the fast-paced offense. If he can make the jump stat-wise and at least make the All-Star team, he’ll be in very good standing for the future.