Los Angeles — NBA All-Star weekend doesn’t just belong to the big boys playing in the league’s marquee event on Sunday night. It also provides a sneak peak and shines a light on the young fellas that could be the future of the game down the road.
We caught up with Tobias Harris, who at the age of 25 has already been in the league for seven years with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and now the Los Angeles Clippers, where he’s averaging .
He gave us some insight on adjusting to his most recent trade, playing for Stan Van Gundy and Doc Rivers and how he’s motivated to take his game to the next level. Here’s what he had to say.
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“Being traded from Detroit to the Clippers, I looked at it as a new opportunity to help a team out. I’m excited for it and was happy to be coming to Los Angeles. When you go from the cold to the sun, it ain’t that bad.
Tobias Harris Scores 24 Points in His Clippers Debut | February 3, 2018
Tobias Harris made his debut for the L.A. Clippers and scored 24 points in a win against the Chicago Bulls. Top Performers Which players owned the night? Catch up on all the top individual performances around the league in the Top Performers series.
I’m over being traded. As soon as I put the new uniform on, for me, that’s it right there. It’s a new journey and a new beginning. I’ve adjusted. A good deal of it is from the new teammates that I have, just allowing me to play my game and help the team. It’s a common goal for all of us to get to the playoffs.
Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy are obviously two great coaches. Stan always wants everything to be done correctly, to perfection. He’s very particular in his details and he’s one of the most prepared coaches. I had a great time with coach Van Gundy. He taught me so much, even off the basketball court.
With the beginning that I’ve had here in Los Angeles, Doc has allowed me to play my game. He’s a great coach in terms of understanding players, what they need on the floor and the spots they want to be in. I’ve been blessed to have had two great coaches and I’m excited to continue to grow with Doc and continue to learn from him.
The Clippers are an amazing franchise with great people in the front office, great people on the coaching staff and great players, so I couldn’t ask for anything better.
This is a big weekend. Obviously you’re around the top and most talented guys. For me, one of my goals is to be an All-Star in this league. I know if I keep working hard, do what I gotta do to help my team win, I’ll be there one day.
2017 Tobias Harris – Off-Season Training Routine
2017 Tobias Harris – Off-Season Training Routine
I want my legacy to be someone who came to work every single day, who gave his all for his teammates, who embraced everybody he was around, who embraced the community and the atmosphere, just a guy who did it the way it’s supposed to be done, someone who cares for their job and what they do.
When I grew up, I always had dreams and goals of being in the NBA. As I got older and better, those dreams really started to form. When you play this game at the highest level, you have to have those dreams, aspirations and goals to really there. It’s a blessing and amazing to be here.
I’m taking it all in. At the same time, it continues to motivate me to be better. I look at all of this and have even bigger dreams ahead of doing bigger things, so I’m excited and motivated for what the future holds.”
