Tennessee Basketball Draft Picks In The Millennium
By Seth Norris
Apr 3, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) dribbles the ball and elbows Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel (4) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tobias Harris (19th pick to the Charlotte Bobcats)
The guy that left too soon, and the only guy that was not accompanied by another Tennessee player the year they were drafted.
Harris was a highly ranked and hyped player coming into Tennessee. Even though he only played one season with Bruce Pearl, several consider him one of the greatest to put on the orange and white.
Harris was a top 10 recruit, five-star, and a McDonald’s All-American.
He averaged 15 points a game and seven rebounds in his one season. Harris was then selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Had Harris stayed all four years, the Vols could have potentially seen some deep tourney runs, but you can’t blame a guy who is guaranteed to go in the first round for leaving.
Harris was drafted by the Bobcats in the 2011 draft, but then traded to the Milwaukee Bucks on draft night.
After a couple seasons with the Bucks, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic in a deal involving former Duke great J.J. Redick. In his two seasons with the Bucks, the small forward only averaged five points a game in 11 minutes a game. The trade to Orlando has allowed Harris more opportunity on the court.
He is now a player that averages over 30 minutes a game, and scores around 17 points a game. If Harris can get healthy and stay healthy, he could be looking at a long and successful career in the league.
He is currently considered to be a potential max contract player, and is an upcoming restricted free agent.
Look for Harris to be a popular subject in the NBA this off-season.