Montrezl Harrell’s path to a consistent role has been all but easy so far. Now a fourth-year player and finally finding his way with the Los Angeles Clippers, his rise has been quite fascinating and unexpected.
From Toni Kukoc and Dennis Rodman to more recent examples of Manu Ginobili and Jimmy Butler, the second round of the NBA Draft can often bring about some really talented players that many teams may have overlooked for a variety of reasons.
While he’s not necessarily a star just yet, Montrezl Harrell — the 32nd overall pick back in 2015 — has been playing excellent basketball for the Los Angeles Clippers this year without starting a single game, and has taken the league by storm.
Despite having no outside game and a fairly small frame for a center, Harrell has excelled in the perimeter-oriented modern NBA, leading small-ball lineups for the Clippers and taking up most of the big man minutes during crunch time. His tenacity is unmatched and his high-level impact on the defensive end, in addition to efficient scoring down low, proves effective every game.
Currently averaging 16.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.0 steals in just 25.8 minutes per game, the 6’8″, 240-pound center is posting career highs across the board and has erupted seemingly out of nowhere.
The thing is, Harrell has been capable of performing like this all along. He was just never given the chance.