Player Review: David Harrison

by Tom Lewis on May 22, 2008 10:43 PM EDT

Player Review: David Harrison
Stats: 4.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.3 apg
Stats/36: 11.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 0.6 apg

How did he surprise?

David Harrsion entered the 2007-08 season knowing this was his last chance to impress the Indiana Pacers. Time for his potential to show some progress in hopes of earning that golden, second NBA contract. I'm sure he'd be the first to admit, things didn't play out the way he had hoped this year.

Even before Jermaine O'Neal's knee problems were public knowledge, there was hope that Harrison's game would develop to the point where he could be relied upon to bring energy, interior defense and easy buckets around the hoop. Reliability is the key, because DH has shown he can bring those assets to the floor. There were times he was a menace at the defensive end, rejecting multiple shots with his quick hops.

In fact, if you could youtube Harrison's top 20 possessions at either end of the floor this year, you'd see the type of player any team would salivate over. Think Anderson Varejao at 7 foot, 280, with a little more offense and a lot less hair flopping. David could really contribute in a defined role off the bench if he could just put everything together consistently. Unfortunately, too many nights he left those positive assets on the bench.

How did he disappoint?

Every night David didn't bring the aforementioned surprising production was disappointing. Looking at his Per 36 stats, the numbers have remained flat (in fact, slightly declined) over his four years with the Pacers. An area that has always hampered David, is his propensity to pick up fouls, often in bunches. While he did play solid stretches this year without running into foul problems, the fouls did ruin his play at times. The calls can really mess with David's concentration on the task at hand and once that happens he might as well just sit down because his game shuts down.

Obvisouly, the other disappointment was David's surprise suspension for violating the league's drug policy. His subsequent discussions about the suspension with the media were genuine and heartfelt, but didn't exactly "clear the air" or garner any public support.

Future Considerations

Let's cut to the chase. Harrison's future with the Indiana Pacers is not bright. While he is not a bad guy, David is complicated to say the least. With a focus on public image combined with a desire for consistent effort and production from their players, I would be shocked if the Pacers decide to exercise their option and bring David back for a year. If that's the case, I hope DH finds an opportunity for a fresh start with another team AND takes advantage of it.

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The Start of David Harrisons Demise, MTV and Partying With MJ (not Jordan)

InsideHoops.com: And as for MTV’s Real World, you were on it. What’s the deal, you were friends with MJ, one of the dudes on the show, and visited him for a few days.

David Harrison: It was fun. That’s my boy.

InsideHoops.com: And how do you know each other, from school?

David Harrison: We played against each other in high school. And he went to college when my dad coached at Vanderbilt. And I always used to hang out there. Him, and my other friend Benjy were roommates, so that’s how I met MJ. And we just instantly clicked. It’s been a nice, long friendship between the two of us. It’s a lot of fun.
(http://www.insidehoops.com/harrison-interview-040705.shtml)

As a Pacers fan and somebody who is somewhat up to date with popular culture, hen the episode of the Real World aired featuring David Harrison my jaw dropped in confusion. It was the first sign to Pacers fans that Harrison wasn’t fully committed to ever living up to his potential (an NBA player partying on a reality television show?). In my mind Shawn Bradley had more upside and potential than David Harrison in retrospect, and that isn’t saying much for Harrison. If I was in Indianapolis right now I would gladly help Harrison pack his bags in hopes of bringing in someone with actual work ethic, motivation, and the right mentality. Comparing Harrison to Anderson Varejao is downright rude to Varejao. As most of us have watched Varejao a lot in the past few seasons we all should agree, the reason for this is because Varajao has helped his team to the playoffs and actually has been playing in big time games, two key words that have never been involved in conversations or articles about Harrison, helped and playing.

The following YouTube video proves what kind of player Varajao really is, this video involves a young Anderson Varajao posterizing the Indiana Pacers own Jermaine O’Neal in the pinnacle of his career during international play (Brazil vs. USA). Pacers fans should take note because Varajao’s intensity and energy is something our team has been lacking since Reggie Miller left for retirement (we can only hope our role players, especially Shawn Williams, will start bringing this type of attitude and style of play on a nightly basis in the upcoming seasons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mi0rARc7Kg

Brent Jonathan Beck

by Brent Beck on May 23, 2008 1:06 AM EDT reply actions

Many share your sentiments

The comparison to Varejao was if you compiled snippets of his good play for a video clip, not his overall game. But the fact remains, I’m not sure how important basketball is to Harrison other than offering him a good living and great opportunities to enjoy life.

by Tom Lewis on May 23, 2008 7:47 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Could’t agree with you more Cornrows, Harrisons stint with us has been a big let down, I tried to correct myself but you couldn’t edit comments, I meant to say it was wishful thinking rather than rude to Varajao, maybe if Harrison gets sent somewhere like Utah he will be more focused!

Brent Jonathan Beck

by Brent Beck on May 23, 2008 11:53 AM EDT reply actions