MILWAUKEE — There are 82 games in an NBA season. 82 intense competitions and challenges that can be extremely difficult for any player in this league.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris is going through these ups and downs during the 2023-24 season. Over his last 12 games, he is shooting 41.3% from the floor and 28.6% from deep while averaging 14.4 points. If it weren’t for a 31-point game and a 28-point game, these numbers would be even lower.
That said, Harris and the Sixers have had to go through a lot of adversity thus far. There have been many adjustments from the big James Harden trade at the start of the season to the flurry of moves made at the deadline, combined with injuries and guys coming in and out of the lineup. It’s hard for anyone to deal with, but that’s the beauty of the NBA season: There’s always another game.
“I think the greatest thing about sports, the NBA and sports in general, is how many games we play and how you really have to stay in the moment and move on to the next game and next challenge. that’s presented, make some adjustments and be ready,” Harris told Sixers Wire during practice Wednesday. “You can’t get lost in it. You can’t really get lost in the low- funds. So for our team, our group, myself, it’s about finding ways to improve and finding ways to adapt and do whatever you can to help win.
Harris failed to win on Tuesday resounding defeat against the New York Knicks. He had just two points on 1-of-6 shooting and had a rough night defensively. With Joel Embiid still out, he needs to be better. He knows it. Everybody knows it. The challenge now is to overcome the difficulties that present themselves.
In addition to the in-season tests he faced, Harris will also enter free agency this summer. This is something he needs to think about as well. It’s just human nature to think about something like that.
“All of these things are variable,” Harris said. “At the end of the day, it’s just about playing the game and figuring out how to be at your best, individually and as a team. It’s like any type of occupation or job. There are elements presented that are performance variables, but ultimately you find ways to adjust and find a good flow.
Harris has a lot to play for in these final 17 games of the season. He’ll be looking to find some type of rhythm and flow before the playoffs begin and will want to make a free agency statement.
That’s the beauty of being in the moment: there’s always another opportunity.
