Montrezl Harrell, a power forward/center for the Washington Wizards, is often overlooked when it comes to discussions about All-Star candidates. However, his performance on the court this season has been nothing short of exceptional, and he deserves to be recognized as an All-Star.
Harrell has been a key player for the Wizards, averaging 16.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 63.9% from the field.
His contributions have helped the Wizards climb up the Eastern Conference standings and remain competitive despite injuries to key players. In this blog, we will examine why Montrezl Harrell should be considered an All-Star this season.
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Why is Montrezl Harrell an All Star?
Montrezl Harrell is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Washington Wizards. In the past, he has played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies. While Harrell has had some impressive traditional statistics, his inconsistent playing time can be attributed to a few factors.
Firstly, Harrell’s lack of a consistent three-point shot can limit his effectiveness in certain lineups, particularly in the modern NBA, where floor spacing is a key component of offensive schemes. Additionally, Harrell’s size (6’7″) and defensive limitations can make him a liability against taller, more skilled big men.
Another factor is the crowded frontcourt of the teams he has played for in the past. For example, during his time with the Clippers, Harrell played behind players like Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, who were established starters and played a significant number of minutes.
It’s also important to note that while per 36 numbers can be useful in some contexts, they can be misleading when evaluating a player’s overall impact. Harrell’s production in limited minutes may not necessarily translate to the same level of production if he were to play a larger role on the team.
Overall, Harrell’s inconsistent playing time can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his shooting limitations, defensive shortcomings, and the crowded frontcourt of the teams he has played for.
Impressive Statistics
Montrezl Harrell has been a standout performer in the league over the past few years, consistently improving his game and putting up impressive statistics. His 2020-2021 season was no different, and his numbers are indicative of an All-Star caliber player. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of Harrell’s impressive statistics.
Firstly, Harrell averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game during the 2020-2021 season, all while playing just 23.8 minutes per game. When his statistics are extrapolated to per 36 minutes, they become even more impressive, with Harrell averaging 24.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. These numbers are comparable to some of the league’s top big men, such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Anthony Davis.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Harrell is also a valuable defensive player. He had a defensive rating of 107.1 during the 2020-2021 season, indicating that the team’s defense was better when he was on the floor. He also averaged 1.1 blocks per game, which is on par with some of the league’s best rim protectors.
When compared to other players in the league, Harrell’s numbers are certainly All-Star caliber. For example, his scoring and rebounding statistics are similar to those of Domantas Sabonis, who was named an All-Star in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, Harrell’s per 36 numbers are superior to those of All-Star big men like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle.
Overall, Montrezl Harrell’s impressive statistics speak for themselves. He is a scoring and rebounding machine who also plays solid defense, and his per 36 numbers are comparable to some of the league’s best big men. When compared to other All-Stars in the league, it’s clear that Harrell deserves to be in the conversation for an All-Star spot.
Importance to the Clippers’ Success
Montrezl Harrell’s importance to the Clippers’ success cannot be understated. He is one of the most valuable players on the team and has played a pivotal role in many of the team’s victories. One example of his impact was in the Clippers’ win against the Golden State Warriors in November 2019. In that game, Harrell scored 24 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, helping the Clippers secure a 141-122 victory over the reigning Western Conference champions.
Harrell’s energy and intensity on the court are contagious and he is known for his ability to motivate his teammates. He brings a level of enthusiasm and tenacity that is unmatched by most players in the league. This can be seen in his work on the offensive glass, where he is able to generate second-chance opportunities for the Clippers. In fact, Harrell averages 3.3 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes, which is higher than the average for other players in his position.
Another example of Harrell’s importance to the Clippers came in their game against the Phoenix Suns in December 2019. In that game, Harrell scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists, helping the Clippers secure a 120-99 victory over a tough Suns team. Harrell’s energy and intensity were on full display in that game, and he was able to inspire his teammates to play at a higher level.
Overall, Harrell’s importance to the Clippers’ success cannot be overstated. His energy, intensity, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to the team. His ability to generate second-chance opportunities and motivate his teammates are just a few examples of his value to the Clippers. It is clear that Harrell deserves to be recognized as an All-Star for his contributions to the team’s success.
Versatility
Montrezl Harrell’s versatility on the court is a significant factor in his All-Star candidacy. Despite being a traditional power forward, Harrell is also comfortable playing the center position, providing the Clippers with a flexible frontcourt. This versatility allows coach Ty Lue to adjust his lineups to suit specific game situations, and it has been instrumental in the Clippers’ success this season.
Furthermore, Harrell’s defensive versatility is equally impressive. He is an excellent pick-and-roll defender, as he has the agility to switch onto smaller guards and the strength to hold his ground against bigger players. His quickness and lateral movement make him a threat to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Harrell’s defensive versatility has allowed the Clippers to play a more aggressive and switch-heavy defense, leading to more turnovers and easy baskets in transition.
Moreover, Harrell’s versatility also extends to his offensive game. He is an efficient scorer and a proficient passer, capable of making quick decisions in tight spaces. His ability to score in the post, face up, and roll to the rim creates mismatches for defenders and makes him a valuable asset on the court. Harrell’s scoring and passing ability, combined with his willingness to set screens and roll hard to the basket, make him a tough player to defend and a valuable offensive weapon for the Clippers.
Overall, Harrell’s versatility as both an offensive and defensive player, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, makes him a valuable asset to any team. His flexibility allows him to adapt to different game situations, and it has been instrumental in the Clippers’ success this season. These attributes make him a worthy candidate for the All-Star game, as he is a player who can contribute in multiple ways and elevate his team’s performance.
Improvement Throughout Career
Montrezl Harrell’s improvement throughout his career is another reason why he deserves to be an All-Star. Since he was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2015, Harrell has worked hard to improve his game in various areas, including shooting and defense.
In his rookie season, Harrell played in only 39 games and averaged just 3.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. However, he has steadily improved his stats year after year, culminating in a breakout season with the Clippers in 2018-19.
One area where Harrell has improved significantly is his shooting. During his first two seasons in the league, Harrell shot just 54.6% from the free-throw line, a figure that improved to 63.2% in his third season.
In the following season, Harrell improved his shooting percentage from the field to 63.5%, and he has maintained a shooting percentage of 58.3% or better in each of his last three seasons. This is a remarkable improvement and shows his dedication to improving his game.
Another area where Harrell has made significant strides is his defense. Although he was known as an energy player coming into the league, he has developed into a solid defender over time.
Harrell’s ability to switch on pick-and-rolls and defend multiple positions has been crucial to the Clippers’ success. He has also improved his rebounding, going from averaging 2.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season to 7.1 rebounds per game in the 2019-20 season.
Harrell’s improvement throughout his career has not gone unnoticed. He has increased his playing time and role on the team, and is now one of the Clippers’ most reliable players. In the 2019-20 season, Harrell played in all 63 games for the Clippers, starting in two of them, and averaged 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. These numbers are a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game.
Overall, Montrezl Harrell’s improvement throughout his career is yet another reason why he deserves to be an All-Star. His hard work and dedication to improving his game have led to significant improvements in his shooting and defense, and he has become an integral part of the Clippers’ success.
Comparison of Montrezl Harrell’s Statistics to Other All-star Power Forwards and Centers
| Player | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Assists per Game | Field Goal Percentage | Player Efficiency Rating (PER) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montrezl Harrell | 20.3 | 7.3 | 1.7 | 63.2% | 23.4 |
| Anthony Davis | 22.5 | 8.4 | 3.0 | 51.3% | 23.3 |
| Nikola Jokic | 26.3 | 11.0 | 8.6 | 56.7% | 31.8 |
| Joel Embiid | 30.2 | 11.6 | 3.0 | 51.8% | 31.7 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 28.2 | 11.5 | 5.9 | 56.5% | 31.0 |
This table compares Montrezl Harrell’s statistics for the 2021-2022 season to those of other All-Star power forwards and centers. The table shows that Harrell’s scoring and rebounding numbers are similar to those of other All-Stars, while his field goal percentage is the highest among the group. His player efficiency rating (PER) is also comparable to the other players, indicating that he is having a significant impact on his team’s success.
FAQs
What is Montrezl Harrell’s background and how did he get into basketball?
Montrezl Harrell was born on January 26, 1994, in Tarboro, North Carolina. He grew up playing basketball and football, but eventually decided to focus on basketball in high school. He attended Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, where he was named a McDonald’s All-American and committed to play college basketball at the University of Louisville.
What is Montrezl Harrell’s playing style and strengths as a player?
Montrezl Harrell is known for his high-energy and physical playing style, often described as a “bulldog” on the court. He is an excellent scorer and rebounder, with a strong ability to finish at the rim and draw fouls. He is also a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and switch on pick-and-rolls.
How has Montrezl Harrell performed in the playoffs during his career?
Montrezl Harrell has been a consistent performer in the playoffs throughout his career. In the 2019 playoffs with the Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged 18.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, and helped lead the team to a historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
What is Montrezl Harrell’s contract situation and how long is he signed with the Washington Wizards?
Montrezl Harrell signed a two-year, $9.7 million contract with the Washington Wizards in August 2021. The contract includes a player option for the second year, which means Harrell could become a free agent in the summer of 2022 if he chooses not to exercise his option.
Has Montrezl Harrell won any awards or honors during his career?
Montrezl Harrell was named the ACC Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American during his junior year at the University of Louisville. He has also been named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and was a member of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Conclusion
Montrezl Harrell is a deserving candidate for the All-Star game due to his impressive statistics, importance to the Clippers’ success, versatility, and improvement throughout his career. Harrell has consistently put up solid numbers, with per 36 statistics that are among the best in the league.
His impact on the Clippers cannot be overstated, as he has played a pivotal role in several important victories and brings a level of energy and morale to the team that is unmatched. Additionally, his versatility as a player and ability to defend multiple positions make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
Finally, Harrell’s continuous improvement throughout his career has led to increased playing time and a larger role on the team. It’s time for the league to recognize his contributions and reward him with a spot on the All-Star team. As fans, we should support his campaign and continue to advocate for his inclusion in the game. Montrezl Harrell deserves to be an All-Star, and it’s up to us to make sure that happens.
