Maurice Harkless has participated in 621 games in his pro basketball career and accounted for 14,019 minutes in those games. Harkless was named a starter in 371 contests, and in those games he averages 6.9 PPG and has accounted for 4,259 points overall. He accounts for 10.9 pts per 36 minutes, as well as snagging 5.6 rebounds and adding 1.5 assists during his pro basketball career. By putting in 1,686 baskets of his 3,554 attempts, Harkless has earned a 47.4% shooting rate. By knocking down 378 of his 1,182 baskets from behind the arc, he has recorded a 3pt rate of 32.0%. By making 1,308 of 2,372 2pt shots, he has earned a rate of 55.1%. Harkless has made 509 of 816 tries at the free throw line, which gave him a percentage of 62.4%. Holding an effective FG percentage of 52.8%, he has also accrued 1,265 personal fouls as well as 521 turnovers. With 1,540 defensive boards and 658 offensive, Harkless has 2,198 total boards thus far in his career. He has accumulated 583 steals, as well as 399 blocks and 572 assists. Concerning stats per game, Harkless sports an average of 0.9 dimes as well as 3.5 boards.
Maurice Harkless NBA Career
Maurice Harkless, an American professional basketball player, has made a notable impact in the NBA with his defensive prowess and versatility on the court. Known for his athleticism and ability to contribute to both ends of the floor, Harkless has carved out a significant role in the league. Let’s take a closer look at his NBA journey, examining his career highlights, stats, and contributions as a basketball player.
Early Life and College Success
Before diving into Harkless’s professional career, it is essential to understand his roots and early accomplishments. Maurice Harkless was born on May 11, 1993, in New York City. He attended Forest Hills High School and later transferred to South Kent School in Connecticut, where he honed his basketball skills.
Harkless played college basketball at St. John’s University, where he quickly made a name for himself. During his freshman year, he averaged 15.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. These impressive stats earned him the title of Big East Rookie of the Year in 2012, setting the stage for his entry into the NBA.
Entry into the NBA
In the 2012 NBA Draft, Maurice Harkless was selected as the 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, his time with the 76ers was short-lived, as he was traded to the Orlando Magic before the start of the 2012-2013 season. This trade marked the beginning of Harkless’s NBA career, where he quickly showcased his defensive skills and versatility.
Orlando Magic Years
During his time with the Orlando Magic, Harkless developed his reputation as a tenacious defender. He spent three seasons with the team from 2012 to 2015. In his rookie season, Harkless averaged 8.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, showing promise as a valuable asset for the Magic.
Harkless’s ability to guard multiple positions and his knack for steals made him a crucial part of the Magic’s defensive lineup. While his offensive numbers fluctuated, his impact on the defensive end remained consistent.
Portland Trail Blazers Era
In 2015, Harkless was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he continued to evolve as a player. His time in Portland marked a significant phase in his career, as he became known for his clutch performances and ability to deliver in critical moments.
Key Highlights in Portland
Harkless played an essential role in the Trail Blazers’ success during his tenure with the team. One of his notable moments came during the 2016-2017 season when he hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Denver Nuggets, securing a playoff spot for Portland.
Throughout his time with the Trail Blazers, Harkless’s stats reflected his growth as a player. He averaged 7.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game during his four seasons with the team. His defensive contributions were especially valuable, as he often took on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best wing player.
Subsequent Teams and Contributions
After leaving the Trail Blazers, Harkless had stints with several other NBA teams, each adding to his experience and versatility.
Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks
In the 2019-2020 season, Harkless joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Although his time with the Clippers was brief, he made significant defensive contributions to the team’s success. Following his stint with the Clippers, Harkless was traded to the New York Knicks, where he continued to showcase his defensive skills and basketball IQ.
Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings
Harkless signed with the Miami Heat in the 2020-2021 season, bringing his defensive expertise to a team known for its gritty playing style. He later joined the Sacramento Kings, where he provided valuable experience and leadership on a young roster.
Maurice Harkless Career Stats and Highlights
Maurice Harkless has built an impressive NBA career defined by his defensive tenacity and versatility. Here are some of his career highlights and stats:
- Career Points: Over 4,000 points scored in the NBA.
- Career Rebounds: More than 2,500 rebounds grabbed.
- Defensive Prowess: Consistent presence in the steals and blocks categories.
- Clutch Performer: Known for hitting key shots in crucial moments.
- Team Player: Contributed significantly to team success through defense and hustle.
Conclusion
Maurice Harkless’s NBA career is a testament to his dedication and adaptability as a basketball player. From his early days in Orlando to his contributions with multiple teams, Harkless has consistently made an impact on the court. His defensive skills and ability to play multiple positions have made him a valuable asset in the league.
As he continues his journey in the NBA, Maurice Harkless remains a player to watch, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to a successful and enduring career in professional basketball.