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By Cody Sharrett - If Maurice Harkless’ first season in a Portland Trail Blazers jersey could be summarized in one word, it’d likely be “opportunity.”
After appearing in only 45 games for the Orlando Magic in 2014-15, Harkless was shipped to Portland for a protected 2020 second round pick. Hitting the reset button in a new environment, the first third of the season saw Harkless as key player in Terry Stotts’ rotation. But early on, Harkless never really found a rhythm in the Blazer offense. Come late January and early February, Harkless had recorded his first ‘DNP’ of the season. However, an ankle injury to Noah Vonleh in Portland’s February 6 win at Houston saw Harkless seize opportunity with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds while providing smothering defense on one of the NBA’s elite scorers in James Harden.
Though Harkless was integral in much of the Blazers’ success in February, he saw his minutes diminish due to struggles late in the month. By late March, Harkless had proven himself once again through the opportunity to start the final 11 games of the season. Portland went 8-3 in that span as Harkless averaged 12 points and 6.5 rebounds to close the regular season, well above his season marks of 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
As one of the Blazers’ most versatile defenders, the 6-9, 215 lb. Harkless started all 11 of the team’s playoff games, highlighted by 19 points and 10 rebounds in Portland’s Game Five road win at the Los Angeles Clippers.
Harkless’ development was evident through the course of the regular season and playoffs, and he’s only looking to get better in every aspect of his game this summer.
“A part of my growth this season was my consistency,” Harkless said at his exit interview last month. “Toward the end of the year, I was more consistent with everything: my effort, just the way I was rebounding the ball, defending and stuff like that. I think I’ve still gotta improve working on my jumpshot. I’ve gotta get that to fall more consistently. I’ve gotta continue to work on my body: get strong, faster, ballhandling, stuff like that and finishing around the rim.
“I feel like I have so much room for improvement. I could work on pretty much every part of my game this summer.”
At just 23 years old and with four years of NBA service under his belt, Harkless perfectly fits the mold of young developing talent the Blazers are building toward. Ending on a high note, Harkless’ 2015-16 season can be chalked up as a success. He enters restricted free agency this summer, and should he return to Rip City, fans will hope to see a more of the Harkless they saw in the latter part of the season and playoffs.
“Free agency is something I haven’t really thought about,” Harkless put it bluntly following season’s end.
“It was by far the most fun season I’ve had. These guys here are great, the organization is great. I really, really enjoyed it and looking forward to seeing what happens this summer.”