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Tobias Harris & Danilo Gallinari: Who matters more for the Clippers

By Abhishek S

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Los Angeles Clippers' Danilo Gallinari (8) and Tobias Harris (34) during the team's media day in Playa Vista, CA, on Monday, Sep 24, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Los Angeles Clippers' Danilo Gallinari (8) and Tobias Harris (34) during the team's media day in Playa Vista, CA, on Monday, Sep 24, 2018. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers plays defense against Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls on March 13, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Tobias Harris #34 of the LA Clippers plays defense against Noah Vonleh #30 of the Chicago Bulls on March 13, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

DEFENSE

Having advanced substantially, the above mentioned tweeners have managed to remain competent on the defensive end this year. While Gallinari had been renowned to be sub-par in this department, his amelioration as a defensive presence this season has been a sight to behold. Utilizing his length expertly in certain instances, he has succeeded in agitating his offensive counterparts. Recording a career-high 0.7 blocks a game to commence the season, he’s established himself as an undervalued stopper. Nevertheless lacking sufficient pace, he gets exposed by quicker guards, hence falling short of the switchability essential for a dominant perimeter defender. Another aspect of his game that necessitates advancement, is his flawed help defense.

In contrast, Tobias Harris possesses superior quickness and athleticism while posing inferior length (Height: 6’8, Wingspan: 6’11). Identical to Gallinari, he was considered a feeble stopper prior to his tenure with the Clippers. However, under the tutelage of the former Championship winning coach, Harris has continually upgraded his status as an on and off ball defender. There still remain aspects of his game that demand refinement, with one of them being his tendency to overplay in several scenarios which exposes him against pacy opponents.

Working incessantly on their game this off-season has aided the pair in putting together commendable defensive rating numbers, currently transcending former All-Defensive Players in Kawhi Leonard (102.2), Draymond Green (101.8) and Rudy Gobert (102.7). Far from being classified as lockdown stoppers, they have boasted satisfactory defensive work ethic to date.

VERDICT: NO WINNER

REBOUNDING

Posing substantial length (Height: 6’10, Wingspan: 7’1), Gallinari possesses a towering frame. While composing the ideal size to feature as a serviceable rebounding presence, his shortfall in athleticism and explosiveness hampers his ability in this domain. Harris, on the other hand has exhibited his dominance as a rebounder this season, aggregating three double-double performances and averaging nine rebounds a game. His hustle, physical frame and explosiveness furnishes him the upper hand over the European forward in this sphere.

VERDICT: TOBIAS HARRIS

THE FINAL WORD

With the European star posing tremendous experience, he’s accommodated a leadership position for the Clippers. Vocal on both ends of the floor, a healthy Gallinari will occupy a pivotal role on and off the floor.

dark. Next. The LA Clippers have the best bench in the NBA

Nevertheless, while he may be a superior skilled asset, Tobias Harris has stamped his authority as the primary scoring threat for the franchise. Dynamic, younger and durable, he will be decisive building block for the future. Hence, Harris will be the ideal asset the Clippers will desire to retain presently, as well as for their future endeavors.

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