Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks Trade Rumors: Five Reasons To Pursue Maurice Harkless

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Dec 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) and Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) battle for a loose ball during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) and Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) battle for a loose ball during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defensive Potential

Although physically capable, few expected Maurice Harkless to develop into a high-level defensive player. That isn’t an indictment of what he’s capable of doing, but instead a reflection of the profile that countless NBA analysts constructed.

During the 2016-17 campaign, however, Harkless finally put his 6’9″ frame and 7’0″ wingspan to use on the defensive end of the floor.

Harkless wasn’t elite on defense, but he recorded a positive mark in Defensive Real Plus-Minus. Portland allowed averages of 112.8 points per 100 possessions with Harkless on the floor and 116.5 points per 100 possessions without him.

Neither numbers are ideal, but when one considers the dearth of consistent defenders on the New York Knicks, having a player who’s willing to defend would be progress unto itself.

Beyond the statistics, Harkless has the invaluable ability to defend multiple positions. He proved capable of taking on traditional small forwards, stretch 4s, and even the occasional shooting guard as a defensive asset.

Harkless isn’t yet an elite defensive player, but he has the size, length, and versatility that the Knicks require to improve.

Home/Knicks News