What should the Blazers do with Maurice Harkless?

Portland’s rotation has undergone several changes recently, including Maurice Harkless being moved to the bench.

After losing by 20 points to the Philadelphia 76ers, Maurice Harkless expressed his growing concern in Portland to NBCSNW’s Jason Quick. Let’s look at a few quotes from the interview to summarize this worry.

Maurice Harkless’s concern

Harkless explains how focusing solely on defense becomes frustrating eventually, “I’m just out there playing defense, which is cool … running back and forth. Out there running track.”

He talks about Portland’s predictable offense, “Every game it’s the same thing … we play through three people,” and also why his offensive production has decreased, “A lot of times I’m open and guys may miss me or I make a cut and they miss me.”

Moe wants a bigger role on that end, saying “I feel like I could bring more to the team. Especially on the offensive end.”

While these quotes seem like Harkless is complaining about his role in Portland, it served more as constructive criticism for the team. Damian Lillard and Terry Stotts provided answers for Moe’s change in contributions, explaining his offense as “a product of the game.”

However, Harkless was removed from the starting lineup the following matchup and since then, the Blazers are 2-0. In both those wins, he failed to play over 20 minutes.

Maurice Harkless no longer a starter

Apparently both Harkless and Coach Stotts agreed that changes were needed in Portland. After the loss to Philadelphia and Moe’s post-game comments, Stotts moved Pat Connaughton into the starting small forward spot.

The Blazers have won both games since then by overcoming double-digit deficits.

Harkless played 16 and 19 minutes respectively, a large downgrade from his season average of 26. Across the two, he scored nine points, grabbed six rebounds, blocked three shots and made four of six shots.

These two games are roughly in-line with his numbers from the month of November, in which Harkless plays around 24 minutes per contest. Equal stats in less time means a bump in efficiency when playing with the reserves more.

Another reason his benching isn’t a bad thing comes from the return of Al-Farouq Aminu. Aminu is due back within the next few games and should retake his starting slot.

Noah Vonleh’s improved play means the power forward position isn’t ready to be vacated either. So, in any case, Harkless’s starting days were numbered.

Possibility of a trade

I don’t think the Blazers need to trade Maurice Harkless any time soon. First of all, he signed a four-year deal with the Blazers last summer worth $40 million. He’s earning less than Meyers Leonard and therefore doesn’t hurt the team’s payroll the most.

Second, a team excelling in defense (and borderline relying on it) shouldn’t get rid of a defensive-minded player. Harkless averages nearly one steal and block per game and impacts the defense with his length and ability to defend anywhere on the court.

Portland’s bench consists of guards focused on offense. Shabazz Napier, Evan Turner and soon Pat Connaughton aren’t liabilities on D, but could use extra help from a wing like Harkless.

A second unit of Napier, Connaughton, Turner, Harkless and Ed Davis could hold its own against any opposing bench. Although Harkless would lose minutes from last season, he’d see more opportunities offensively away from the Big Three.

Next: Blazers complete 17-point comeback vs. Wizards

The only reason to ponder a trade involving Harkless is to dump either Leonard or Turner’s salary too. Portland could then re-sign Jusuf Nurkic easily with the available cap space and test free agency in 2018.

But this is an overreaction to the bumpy season so far. Portland is 12-8 and fourth in the Western Conference – no reason to scream trade. They struggle offensively and should focus on that rather than a roster flip.

Let’s wait to see how Maurice Harkless plays with the bench unit before putting him and Terry Stotts on the hot seat.