LA Clippers 2019-2020 player profiles: Moe Harkless may have major role

PORTLAND, OR - MAY 20: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers stands for the National Anthem before Game Four of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors on May 20, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MAY 20: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers stands for the National Anthem before Game Four of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors on May 20, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PORTLAND, OR – MAY 3: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Denver Nuggets during Game Three of the Western Conference SemiFinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MAY 3: Maurice Harkless #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a game against the Denver Nuggets during Game Three of the Western Conference SemiFinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

Role

If it hasn’t become apparent, I fully expect Moe Harkless to have a major role for the Clippers this season. No, he won’t be a full-time starter, but he could easily start 10+ games depending on how the team handles the load management of Leonard and George. When he does start, he’ll have to elevate his game in order to help the Clips stay afloat as they chase a high seed in the tough Western Conference.

When he’s not starting, he will still see big minutes off the bench. Doc has always been one to play full bench units while his starters rest, so Harkless will have a lot of minutes next to Williams and Harrell.

Harkless will provide additional defense to the second unit, likely covering the other team’s best bench player. He provides much needed small forward depth, something the Clippers have lacked over the last few seasons.

Harkless’ role won’t be anything to write home about and it’s unlikely he gets a ton of coverage even with so much focus on the Clippers this season. Still, it will be a big role and Doc will need a lot out of him every single night.