Diamond in the Rough: Evaluating Shaq Harrison’s Season with the Bulls
With Kris Dunn on the mend and no viable backup options at the Point Guard position, the Chicago Bulls went searching for another body to add to the roster. They brought in Tyler Ulis, however he only logged 1 minute of action and would not see the floor again.
On October 21st, the Bulls signed Shaquille Harrison to a 1 year fully guaranteed contract. The former Suns guard had failed to beat out Isaiah Cannan and Elie Okobo for the starting slot alongside Devin Booker and was subsequently waived. It seems now that Phoenix made a big mistake.
Since joining the Bulls the 6-foot 4-inch guard has more than exceeded expectations. Shaq has quickly emerged as the best defensive player on the roster as well as being one of the team’s highest-energy players.
In 67 appearances with Chicago, Shaq has collected 83 steals at a clip of 1.2 per game. When extrapolating for per 36 minutes that number rises to 2.4 steals a game–that is the best mark in the LEAGUE. Harrison also is tied for 2nd in the league in deflections per 36 minutes at 3.9 and 5th in loose-ball recoveries. On the year, Shaq has had 40 games of at least 1-2 steals, 8 contests of at least 3-4 steals, and 1 game of 5 steals. He’s a flat-out ball hawk.
Not only has he been well above average defensively, but Shaq has provided solid contributions on the offensive end as well. On only 5 field goal attempts a game, Shaq has put up roughly 6 points a night. While that may not seem like much, a majority of those come within the flow of the offense.
Shaquille has also started to play more and more to his strengths on offense. He takes nearly 52% of his shots between 0-3-feet and converts on those shots over 57% of the time. This increased driving to the rim has brought up his free throw attempts per game to just over 3. Shaq is not the best pure-shooter, however the ability to at least draw the fouls can help get the opponent into foul trouble. Fouls can control the pace of a game.
As of late, Shaq has been playing well-over 30 minutes a game and over the last 4 contests, he has put up 15 points per game. Harrison recorded his first career double-double against the Portland Trail-Blazers to go along with a career-high 21 points.
He may not be much of a shooter, but Shaq fills a void left by Ex-Bull David Nwaba. He’s a high energy defensive stud, but unlike Nwaba, the Bulls can’t let him get away. With a team that struggles at the defensive end as much as Chicago, it wouldn’t be justifiable to let such a young defensive prospect walk.
Shaquille Harrison is only 25 years old. His best basketball is still to come, and the Bulls need to be there to reap the rewards.
Featured Image: Chicago Tribune
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