The Pistons will be in search of reliable secondary scoring in this year's playoffs, and Tobias Harris could fill that role in Round 1. Harris has played some of his best games this season against Detroit's first-round opponent, the Magic, and will have a chance to solidify his value for his upcoming free agency. Pistons fans are already thinking about replacing Harris with trade targets, but he can convince the front office to bring him back with a great postseason performance.
This is the perfect matchup for Tobias Harris
Harris has seemingly relished playing Orlando this season, and may take the matchup against Paolo Banchero personally. In his 3 appearances this season against the Magic, Harris averaged 21 points per game while shooting 56% from the field. Compare that to his season-long stats of 13 points per game on 47% shooting, and it's clear Harris should be looking forward to this playoff series.
For years, Tobias Harris has been doubted for his playoff performances. He gained a bad reputation for fading in important postseason moments as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, but made the first steps towards turning that around last year with the Pistons. Now, he'll have an even better opportunity as the Pistons gear up for a deeper playoff run and have more national attention on them.
If Harris can replicate his regular season outings against the Magic in the playoffs, the Pistons may not even have to consider potential upgrades at his position when his contract expires this summer. Clearly, he's been an instrumental element of Detroit's turnaround both on and off the court, so coming to an agreement for more shared years could be mutually beneficial.
Harris could have an important defensive role against the Magic too
Against Orlando, Harris could be directly matched up against Magic star Paolo Banchero. Banchero has had an up-and-down season but remains the Magic's primary option in the most important game. In Orlando's second Play-In Game, with a playoff berth on the line, he had 25 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to guide the ailing Magic over the previously streaking Hornets.
Banchero plays a very physical brand of basketball but also has a knack for drawing fouls. His combination of size and cunning have sometimes been troublesome for the Pistons, whose best defenders don't often match up well with Banchero. However, Harris has the right build to take away Banchero's physical advantages and the veteran experience to avoid his foul-baiting tricks.
The Pistons should win the series comfortably either way, but it'll be even easier if Tobias Harris can lock down Paolo Banchero. Tobi has lucked into the right opponent for him to find a groove for the playoffs.
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