Big Red Louie
Fansided

Louisville basketball: Bold prediction for each former Card in the NBA

By Jacob Lane

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-105. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-105. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Montrezl Harrell – C/F, Los Angeles Clippers

Prediction: Wins NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and helps guide Clippers to No. 1 overall seed in Western Conference

Montrezl Harrell became the first-ever player to be **unofficially** named the NBA’s Seventh Man of the Year when teammate Lou Williams won the Sixth Man award in 2019.

After a breakout season in which he helped lead the Clippers to an eight seed in the Western Conference, and a near upset of the Warriors in round one, Harrell will now help anchor what will likely be the favorite to win the Western Conference with the signing of Kawhi Leonard in free agency and subsequent trade for Paul George.

By the end of the 2018-19 season, Harrell was second on the team in total minutes played, second in per 36 and per 100 possessions statistics, second in advanced analytics, second in field goal percentage and third on the team in offensive plus/minus.

Those statistics should once again increase (where feasible) due to the attention George and Leonard will garner, thus increasing the opportunity for Harrell to dominate around the rim. It’s also worth noting that Williams, who averaged 20 points per game last season, will still be expected to score at a high level, but with George and Leonard playing with the ball majority of the time his scoring will come in a new way.

With Ivica Zubac expected to start again next season for the Clippers, the role for Harrell won’t change. He’ll be the first big off the bench, as well as the closing center, and his job will be to rebound, block shots, dominate around the rim and provide the intensity to the Clippers.

Harrell will win Sixth Man of the year in 2020 and will do so in part because of his role in helping the Clippers earn the number one seed in the loaded Western Conference.

Home/Louisville Basketball