Former Chicago Bulls: Shaq Harrison a defensive stopper for the Sixers
Following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, it looked like one of the most underrated Chicago Bulls guards was the former undrafted free agent signing and ex-Tulsa Golden Hurricane standout two-guard Shaquille Harrison. The two-way guard stood out for former head coach Jim Boylen and the Bulls in what would turn out to be his final season in Chicago more than one year ago.
Since his departure from Chicago during the 2020 offseason, Harrison has showed flashes but wasn’t able to find consistent traction with any one team. But that narrative could be changing in the not too distant future for the 6-foot-4 Tulsa product Harrison.
In the past couple of seasons, Harrison tried his hand with the likes of the Bulls, Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and Philadelphia 76ers. Last season, he spent time with the Jazz at the outset of the season and finished up on a two-way contract with the Nuggets. But the Nuggets later released him ahead of last summer.
This could be one of the last chances that Harrison could have to make a final roster for good in his NBA career. At the age of 28, Harrison could be running out of chances to make an NBA roster. But he is making some positive strides through the preseason so far with the Sixers.
Shaquille Harrison looking to make strides after his days with the Chicago Bulls
The offensive production is spotty, to say the least, for Harrison in the preseason so far. But he is standing out defensively for the Sixers. Through three preseason games with the Sixers, Harrison is tied for the NBA lead in steals per game, at 2.7, and he’s registered 0.7 blocks per game thus far.
That’s led him to register a solid 7.9 steal percentage and 3.7 block percentage. He’s also one of the Sixers team leaders during the preseason so far in defensive rating, around 97.
If Harrison does make the Sixers final roster, it will be thanks to his defensive ability. He was one of the best perimeter/wing defenders on the Bulls roster during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns. He and former Bulls point guard Kris Dunn were two defensive specialists that the coaching staff could rely on.
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We should figure out in the next few days if the Sixers are planning to keep Harrison around on a full contract, or a two-way contract, heading into the regular season. Harrison is trying to fight his way onto a roster with his third team in the last calendar year. Maybe this will be the one that sticks for Harrison.