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Montrezl Harrell is they key to LA Clippers bench success

By Ryan Snellings

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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He may not put up the same stats as other guys, but Montrezl Harrell seems to be the key to the LA Clippers bench success.

Montrezl Harrell may not be the team’s scoring leader nor the guy that fans first think of when they imagine the LA Clippers. But none of that matters. What matters is that Trezz is the key to the LA Clippers’ bench success.

This summer, the Clippers eagerly brought Harrell back on a 2 year, $12 million deal. This was very favorable for LA as Harrell and already proved his worth. Still, the 24-year-old may be already searching for his next big pay day.

Only 10 games into the season, Harrell is putting up 12.1 points, grabbing 6.0 rebounds, blocking 1.7 shots and grabbing 1.0 steals. Not one, not two, not three, but all of these are career highs. The sample size isn’t much, but Harrell has made positive strides in each of his seasons. He also seemingly doesn’t miss, converting on 64.3% of his field goals, which currently ranks 20th in the league.

Trezz has managed to stay humble through the process. He seemingly relishes his role energizing the team from the bench. When asked at a meet and greet after last night’s victory, Harrell said all he wants to do is bring energy.

That’s the right mindset. After Boban Marjanovic was given the starting role against Orlando on Friday night, Harrell didn’t make a peep. Sure, he’s more mobile and younger than Marjanovic, but perhaps he realized he is still best used as a ying to Boban’s yang.

Harrell and Marjanovic give opposing teams completely different looks on both ends of the court. Although each has their own shortcoming, the two can cause opposing coaches to adjust on the fly.

The best part? Boban can use his size and strength to wear down opposing centers. Then, enter Trezz. His sparkplug attitude off the bench will either completely tire out starting centers or force them to hit the pine in favor of their backup. Whichever the case, it has proved effective in the two games that the Clippers have employed this tactic.

Next. Intensity by Clippers has led to early success. dark

The team may even go as Montrezl does. Yes, Lou Williams can come in any night and drop 20 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can wow us with thoughts of the future, but Harrell does something special when he enters the game. His fire and passion ignites the team and helps keep them focused. There’s hardly a statistic for that. It doesn’t matter. Clipper Nation knows.

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