0 All-Star Appearances, $300 Million in Total Earnings! Is 31-Year-Old Tobias Harris a Winner in Life?

The Detroit Pistons have officially announced the signing of Tobias Harris. According to ESPN, Harris has inked a two-year, $52 million contract with the team, making him the highest-paid player on the roster for the upcoming season with a salary of $25.37 million. This news might surprise many fans, prompting reactions like, "What? Tobias Harris gets $52 million?" Such responses are understandable given Harris' performance last season.

Harris played 70 games for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with shooting splits of 48.7% from the field, 35.3% from three-point range, and 87.8% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was 57.6%. These numbers are solid, placing him at least 58th in the league for scoring. However, there is a hint of a "contract year" performance boost, as his scoring average was only 14.7 points per game the previous year. Additionally, Harris' performance dipped significantly in the playoffs. In six games against the Knicks, he averaged just 9.0 points per game with shooting percentages of 43.1% from the field and 33.3% from three. In the crucial Game 6, he played 29 minutes and went scoreless, missing both of his shot attempts.

Based solely on his on-court performance, a two-year, $52 million contract for Harris might seem a bit steep. For comparison, Klay Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope got three years and $66 million. Harris' annual salary is higher than both, yet his performance does not significantly outshine these players.

However, Harris has several attributes that make him a valuable asset:

1. Versatile Forward: Harris has a good physique for a forward. While he may not be an ideal power forward, he excels as a small forward, a valuable asset in today's NBA.

2. Durability: Over the past five seasons, Harris has only missed 40 games, averaging just eight absences per season.

3. Offensive Versatility: Harris can create his own shot and play off the ball. His career three-point shooting percentage of 36.8% is respectable, even if not elite.

Strong teams, considering playoff performance, might hesitate to offer Harris such a lucrative deal. But for the Pistons, this move is understandable. Detroit had the worst record in the league last season, winning only 14 games and setting a historic record with a 28-game losing streak. The Pistons also had the worst spacing in the league, and acquiring Harris will improve their shooting. Furthermore, the team is young and could benefit from an experienced veteran presence both on and off the court.

According to Pistons insiders, the team signed Harris primarily to bring in a seasoned veteran to mentor their young players. Harris fits this role well; he is quiet, stable, and reliable in terms of availability. These factors combined allowed Harris to secure another substantial contract.

The term "big contract" will likely always be associated with Harris. Before this deal with the Pistons, he had signed a five-year, $180 million max contract with the 76ers in 2019. Philadelphia chose Harris over Jimmy Butler, a decision that has since been widely scrutinized. During his five years with the 76ers, Harris never quite lived up to his contract. Despite constant trade rumors, Philadelphia never managed to move him. Meanwhile, Butler has thrived with the Miami Heat, leading them to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances in five years, delivering numerous memorable playoff performances.

Reflecting on Harris' career, it's clear he hasn't been an overwhelming success. He has never made an All-Star team or an All-NBA team. Yet, despite this, he has managed to secure contracts totaling over $300 million, putting him on par with contemporaries like Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, both of whom are future Hall of Famers. At 31, Harris still has potential for future earnings. If he maintains his performance, he could land another full mid-level exception deal, which might reach $15 million annually under the new broadcast contracts.

From a financial perspective, Harris is undoubtedly a winner. On the court, while his $40 million contract was criticized, a $25 million annual salary seems more reasonable. If Harris performs well next season, the Pistons might even trade him for valuable assets. It's worth noting that Harris initially made a name for himself in Detroit, earning a big contract that led to his trade. Now, with another significant contract, he returns to where he first rose to prominence.

Detroit fans shouldn't expect Harris to transform the team single-handedly, but his presence should be beneficial. The Pistons' young roster needs stability and leadership, roles Harris can fulfill. His return to Detroit is a full-circle moment in his career. While he may not elevate the Pistons to immediate contenders, he can provide valuable contributions and mentorship, helping the team rebuild and move forward.

As Harris continues his journey, his financial acumen and strategic career moves highlight a savvy understanding of his value in the NBA. Even without the accolades of an All-Star or All-NBA selection, his consistent play, reliability, and professional demeanor have allowed him to carve out a lucrative and lasting career in professional basketball.