Former Vols: Tobias Harris could be the next VFL to win a championship

Former Vol Tobias Harris just got traded to the Philidelphia 76ers which could be great news for his chance to win an NBA Championship.

It always seems former Tennessee basketball player Tobias Harris is always apart of trade rumors.

Since being drafted as the 19th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Bobcats, Harris has bounced around the league playing on four different teams. Even on draft day, Harris was traded from Charlotte to the Milwaukee Bucks where he began his career.

After just a season and a half in Milwaukee, the Bucks shipped Harris off to Orlando where he began to shine. Getting traded to the Magic during the 2012-13 season was the best thing that could have happened for his career.

"“I’ve been high on Harris’ potential since his days with the Magic and he only got better with the Clippers.”Michael Bohlin – NBA editor, 247Sports"

He only averaged around 11 minutes in Miluakee, but when he arrived in Orlando, Harris averaged 36 minutes per game. The extra minutes correlated to 17.3 points per game along with 8.5 rebounds per game.

Since then, Harris has been a consistent scoring threat averaging in double-figure scoring each year. This season he’s taken his game to another level. In 55 games this season he is averaging around 35 minutes per game while scoring 20-plus points.

He’s averaging a career-high in field goal percentage at 49.6 percent and 43.3 percent from the three-point line. Harris is even averaging close to a career-high in rebounding at 7.9 rebounds per game.

"“His career year is due to his efficiency, which isn’t going away. Now I don’t expect him to continue averaging 20 points per game moving forward, but I do expect him to continue being an efficient three-point shooter.”Lucas Johnson – Site Expert, The Sixer Sense"

Earlier this week, Philidelphia went all in on a chance to reach the NBA Finals. The Sixers sent Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, and Mike Muscala along with 2020 first-round pick and a few other future draft picks in return for Harris, Boban Marjanovia, and forward Mike Scott.

Clearly, with the move, the Sixers enter the must-win now mode and could quite possibly have the best foursome in basketball thanks to the versatility of Harris.

"“Harris give them the option to not only play their big four together but also slide into the wing spot with the first unit when Simmons or Butler may not be on the floor.”Michael Bohlin – NBA editor, 247Sports"

The question now becomes how does Harris fit into a new system with three other players playing at an All-Star level. Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and Joel Embiid score 63.3 of the team’s 115.3 points per game. And, that’s leaving out JJ Redick’s 18.0 point per game.

The Sixers are currently 5th in the Eastern Conference only 6.5 games back from the Bucks who are 40-13 on the season. The Atlantic division is brutal with four teams making the playoffs if the season ended today, so the Sixers had to do something to make a run.

"“If the team can build chemistry quickly, there is a chance to win the East. The Sixers are the only team in the Eastern Conference that has four players playing at an All-Star level this season.”Lucas Johnson – Site Expert, The Sixer Sense"

Just last week Tennessee fans were able to support VFL Cordarrelle Patterson in Super Bowl LIII when the Patriots took down the Rams in a 13-3 win.

Tennessee basketball fans are gearing up for a deep run in March. But, it might not end there. Tobias Harris and his new team might make a run, and the NBA Finals and Harris will become the latest VFL with a championship ring.