Indiana Pacers: 5 players that prove the value in second-round NBA Draft picks
By Josh Wilson
Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell was taken by the Houston Rockets with the 32nd selection overall in the 2015 NBA Draft and played two years in Houston before the Rockets traded him to the LA Clippers in the Chris Paul deal.
While Harrell never saw much playing time in Houston, LA was able to provide him more of an opportunity by his second season with the team.
In July of 2018, the Clippers re-upped Harrell on an inexpensive two-year deal worth $12 million after a season where he put up 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
Harrell would have a breakout season the following year with his role in the rotation increased, averaging 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds last season and 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds this season.
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Harrell fills a bench role and makes for an intimidating reserve duo alongside Lou Williams for the Clippers. Set to be a free agent this summer, he is due for a major payday.
Standing at 6-foot-7, he’s undersized as a center but has the strength and verticality to still hold his own and maintain a reputation as a rim protector, forcing opponents to shoot 9.8 percent worse from the field when they’re within six feet in the rim and he’s logged as a primary defender.