Tobias Harris should be itching for the opportunity to get both revenge and redemption against the Philadelphia 76ers in round one.
As many already know, Harris doesn't exactly have the best reputation when it comes to the NBA Playoffs, and most of that stems from his previous run with the Sixers, a run that now has him perceived as the weakest link for Detroit entering the postseason.
And with the Pistons already seeming to be eyeing an offseason divorce with the veteran forward, who's on an expiring deal, it could be his last opportunity to not only silence the noise, but make a deep playoff run with a team that has real championship expectations.
Obviously, Detroit's round one matchup hinges on the results of the NBA Play-In tournament, but if there's one team in particular the 33-year-old shoot be rooting for, it's his former squad from Philly.
Tobias Harris should take a round 1 battle with the 76ers personal
There was a time when the 76ers chose to keep Harris over the likes of Jimmy Butler, but after several years of wasted playoff hopes that stemmed from unreliable shot-making down the stretch from Harris, among many others, Philadelphia opted to let the playmaker walk in free agency a couple of years ago.
Since then, Harris hasn't really been given the opportunity to redeem himself and prove that he's capable of making the winning plays that can help a contending team get over the hump.
A first-round matchup against the 76ers would give him the perfect stage to prove he can be that guy.
Not only does it set the perfect stage for Harris to redeem himself, but it sets the perfect stage for Detroit to be battle-tested if they're able to knock off Philly.
Pistons could use the test Philadelphia offers to their advantage
There's no denying that the 76ers aren't the same threat they used to be when they had a healthy Joel Embiid leading the way.
Still, Philadelphia has a solid supporting cast, headlined by Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe.
While Detroit may prefer an easier matchup in round one, of the options, Nick Nurse's squad could present a prime opportunity for the Pistons to prepare themselves for a marquee series against a potential matchup against the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, or even the Boston Celtics as the postseason progresses.
As for Harris, this series could be the chance for him to light a fire that helps Detroit get one step closer to their championship goals.
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