Clipperholics
Fansided

LA Clippers 2019-2020 player profiles: Montrezl Harrell will flirt with stardom

By Ryan Snellings

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers attends a game between the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers attends a game between the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies during Day 3 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2019 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14: Los Angeles Clippers Center Montrezl Harrell (5) grabs a loose ball that New Orleans Pelicans Forward Anthony Davis (23) dives for during a NBA game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 14, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14: Los Angeles Clippers Center Montrezl Harrell (5) grabs a loose ball that New Orleans Pelicans Forward Anthony Davis (23) dives for during a NBA game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 14, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defense

Montrezl Harrell isn’t known for his defense. Undersized for the center position at just 6’8″, Harrell makes up for it with his impressive 7’4″ wingspan and perpetual hustle.

His 1.7 blocks per game was good enough for 17th in the entire league last season. He’s not seen as a rim protector, but it may be something he has to become this season for the Clippers. Currently, only he and Ivica Zubac figure to have major minutes at the center position.

Zubac hasn’t shown any signs of being a full-time rim protector himself, so the two may have to form a serviceable combination. It should be an easier job this season with the combination of Leonard, George and Patrick Beverley‘s defense on the perimeter, so perhaps the two will work.

Harrell also is a master of taking a charge. He finished 19th in the league last season in charges drawn with 0.24 a game. It’s not a staggering number when you see it, but given it’s another tool in his toolbox to help protect the rim, it’s a great stat.

What it all comes down to on defense for Montrezl is his heart and hustle. He is constantly moving and motivated and will be in the right spot more often than not. His high energy will help the team get rebounds and out in transition quickly. No, he’s not going to be in any “best defender” in the league conversations, but he should be able to have a positive impact.

On offense though, Trezz looks to be a star.

Home/Clippers News