If not for the Charlotte Bobcats, the 18-46 Orlando Magic would have the worst record in the NBA. When scoring guard J.J. Redick was traded to Milwaukee on February 21st, Magic fans felt the impact of a wrecking ball clearing the way for their franchise to rebuild from scratch after losing superstar Dwight Howard to the Lakers in the offseason.
One of the players Orlando received for Reddick and Ish Smith was 2nd-year combo forward Tobias Harris. The 6’8” Harris played one season at Tennessee after being named the 2010 Mr. New York Basketball. He was then selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Prior to being dealt to Orlando, 20-year-old Harris was buried on the Bucks’ bench. In his final two months in Milwaukee, Harris was on the court for a total of 44 minutes.
In the 9 games he’s played as a member of the Magic, Harris has averaged 29 mpg. With more court time Harris has flourished – averaging 15.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.1 bpg while shooting 53% from the field and 79% from the line. He’s also averaged one 3-bomb a game in Orlando and is shooting 40% from the arc.
With 80% of the regular season in the rear view mirror, now is the time for wily fantasy GMs to scoop up players like Harris who are balling better than ever in new roles and environments.
