Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA free agency: Ranking Tobias Harris’ best potential landing spots

By Daniel Lubofsky

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 08: Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nuggets 117-110. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 08: Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nuggets 117-110. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Sacramento Kings
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Sacramento Kings

They may not be the hottest free agent destination, but the Sacramento Kings make a lot of sense for the next chapter in Harris’ career. After winning just 27 games the year prior, the Kings won a surprising 39 in the tough Western Conference, surpassing a number of preseason projections that didn’t even have them topping 30 Ws.

Following a modest inaugural season, De’Aaron Fox broke onto the scene in year two with averages of 17.3 points and 7.3 assists per game, along with increased efficiency on both 2s and 3s. Buddy Hield averaged a career-best 20.7 points a night to combine with Fox and form one of the best young backcourts of the future.

In less than 26 minutes a night, former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III put in 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds a game on his way to a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. With player-friendly coach Luke Walton set to take over at the helm, the Kings are trending upwards in the hopes of ending a playoff drought that’s lasted over a decade.

Where Sacramento is lacking is at the forward spot. Harrison Barnes opted out of his contract and may be looking for a long-term deal the front office isn’t willing to give him. Both Nemanja Bjelica and Bogdan Bogdanovic are solid options, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to find a possible upgrade to bolster the frontcourt.

Just hitting his prime having shot 39.7 percent from distance last season, Harris would thrive on a team ranked third in pace with a need for outside snipers at No. 20 in attempts. The Kings would turn to him far more often than Philly did, leaning on his veteran expertise and postseason experience.

Where things could get tricky should Harris decide to sign is in getting everyone settled into an ideal role. Harris is no stranger to the small forward position having played there quite a bit early on in his career. In today’s NBA, however, he’s clearly best suited to occupy the 4 slot on offense.

Marvin Bagley has immense potential and the Kings didn’t draft him to be their sixth man. With big man Willie Cauley-Stein wanting out of Sacramento, there’s an opening at the center position, but Bagley doesn’t project to be an ideal rim protector at the pro level.

The move may be a slight risk for the Kings, but one they should still pursue if presented a window given their previous inability to attract free agents. For Harris, Sacramento would provide a great opportunity with a sizable load offensively on an up-and-coming team he could help put over the top as the youngsters slowly enter into their primes.