Harkless trying his best in 'up-and-down' season with Portland
Moe Harkless was essentially acquired for nothing. The Orlando Magic wanted no part of him, and the Portland Trail Blazers did. But the 22-year-old hasn't had the rosiest first-year with his new team.
It's been a bit of a struggle, and after a pretty good start, Harkless has all but fallen out of Terry Stotts' rotation. The fourth-year wing is only averaging 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game over Portland's past five contests, but still thinks he can have an impact against his former team. Here's The Oregonian with more:
Harkless is shooting 44.2 percent from the floor and 31.6 percent behind the three-point line on the year. Those aren't particularly good numbers for a wing who's yet to show he can create offense for teammates.
But Harkless is still extremely young, and there's always a chance he just needs a little more playing time.
Harkless and coach Terry Stotts on Thursday both labeled Harkless' brief tenure with the Blazers "up-and-down." But Stotts also said it would be unfair to make any final judgments about the 6-foot-9 small forward with so much season left. "It takes time," Stotts said. "That's why this season is a season of growth for everybody. I think it's difficult to assess (his play) a third of the way in as far as road blocks and things like that. I think it'll come and I think too many times players are evaluated by their box score. I think he's doing his best to fit in the best he can."
