Can Moe Harkless have a breakout season?
Moe Harkless' third season was supposed to be his best. Instead, the 22-year-old (he was 21 at the time) stumbled out of Orlando's rotation, starting only four games after he started 100 over the previous two years.
It was unexpected, but now Harkless is looking for a fresh start with the Portland Trail Blazers. Can he find one? Here's FanSided's Rip City Project with more:
"Now joining the Trail Blazers, Harkless will again be a second or third option. However, instead of being gradually squeezed out, he will be gradually squeezed in. There are no prized rookies to be prioritized, no established veterans in their prime; just small forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and (sometimes) Allen Crabbe—two other young guys just trying to find their place. Harkless is still that player that can drop 20 points on a good night if you let him. There is room for him to contribute and grow in Portland. So do not sleep on Moe Harkless. He is not some washout that landed here as filler. In the right situation, he can be truly awesome."
This evaluation is more an absolute best-case scenario than what's most likely to happen. Harkless should produce more in an established role, but he's far from a known commodity.
The Magic had its reasons for giving up on him, and Portland has real work to do figuring out how to maximize Harkless' ability. Nothing will be easy for them this season.
(h/t: Rip City Project)
