Los Angeles Clippers appreciate Montrezl Harrell both on and off the court
By Thomas Fenn
Despite being undersized for his position, Montrezl Harrell has been a solid contributor for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Montrezl Harrell has been a steady contributor to the Los Angeles Clippers after arriving from the Houston Rockets. The undersized power forward at 6’7″ has set out to prove that with enough drive and dedication, every player plays a huge impact.
Los Angeles Clippers’ fans are still getting accustomed to the new look Clippers after the Blake Griffin trade. With the Clippers at 26-25 and 9th seed in the Western Conference, the hope is that a playoff push is still very possible.
Former Louisville Cardinal, Montrezl Harrell, played three years of college basketball . In his junior season, he won the Karl Malone Award which recognizes the best collegiate power forward in the country. Harrell did so averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds .
Montrezl Harrell has been a revelation all season for the Clippers. The backup forward has averaged 8.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game in 15 minutes per game off the bench. Harrell brings about many intangibles to the team that does not show up on the box score.
Hero on and off the Court
Clipper fans have been clamoring about the presence Harrell brings to the bench unit with his fierce demeanor and energetic play. He connects with Clippers’ fans by playing with a chip on his shoulder. He also makes sure to be present at various community outreach programs as well as by showing fans at the Staples center how much they mean to him.
Montrezl, I want to thank you for giving my son Chase a moment he'll remember for life. He told me his heart almost popped out of his chest when you took your jersey off and handed it him after the game. You're a class act. Thanks for making a difference in today's world. pic.twitter.com/LoweItiEDM
— Wai Li (@WaiLi50262504) January 18, 2018
Montrezl is also a real life hero. As per the Courier-journal:
"Harrell, who was drafted this summer by the Houston Rockets, kicked out a window in the overturned car, retrieved a fire extinguisher and waited for emergency personnel to arrive."
The Clippers bench looks revitalized this year. The Chris Paul trade to Houston gave the Clippers solid rotation pieces that now play meaningful minutes alongside the Clipper rookies. After the bench was deemed the “Goon Squad” on Twitter, Montrezl further responded by referring to himself as the ‘Enforcer’ of the newly christened bench squad.
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The Los Angeles Clipper’s are getting offensive rebounds, interior scoring, as well as an unbridled amount of hustle and intensity from Harrell this season. While he’s currently on contract for the rest of the year at only 1.4 million, his value continues to rise and the Clippers might have to make a decision on Montrezl’s future this summer.