There aren’t a lot of people built like Shaq Harrison.
Well, a lot of people are 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. Some go undrafted after four-year college careers but decide to pursue their NBA dreams anyway. But few play with the persistent fire of Harrison in every stint — starter, reserve, or end-of-bench last resort.
“That's been my whole life,” Harrison said after scoring a career-high 25 points in the Bulls’ 108-102 loss to the Pacers. “I was undrafted, I had a couple offers coming out of high school. I've always been that last guy they're looking at, and I knew I had to make an impression that one opportunity or chance I get. So, it's usual for me, it's nothing new. I take pride in that, a lot of guys can't do that.”
Even in defeat, he made quite the impression against Indiana. Embedded in those 25 points were five 3-pointers (on six attempts), two blocks and two steals in 34 minutes. With that statline, Harrison became the first Bull this season to hit five or more 3-pointers and also block multiple shots in a game.
"Regardless of me making shots or not making shots, that's what I bring every single day," Harrison said of his defensive intensity. "I try to go out there and cause havoc... That's why I'm on this team, that's what I need to bring. I need to be out there feeling the energy and getting guys up to do the dirty things that a lot of people don't necessarily want to do."
Harrison tallied eight of his points, two of those 3s and all of his steals in a fourth quarter the Bulls won 30-19. After trailing by as many as 23 in the second half, they trimmed the Pacers’ lead to as few as six in the final frame before familiarly falling short.
“I think we can still work at it a little bit. We improved a little bit, but not (enough) to win an NBA game,” Harrison said when asked how the Bulls responded to coach Jim Boylen challenging them to be more physical. “So I think we get back in the gym, we get back into film and practicing, working, those types of things, and hope it carries over into the game.”
NBA
Harrison has found individual success in that. A career 27.7% 3-point shooter, he’s now 9-for-11 from deep in his last four games.
“Zach LaVine, he taught me a few pointers,” Harrison chided when asked about his shooting improvements. “We have the same workout guy within the team (Bulls player development coach Shawn Respertt), so yesterday we actually got up shots a little bit on our off-day. I try to take pointers from him here and there.”
Harrison and Coby White (26 points, six assists) led the charge for a Bulls offense that sputtered all night. Outside of Harrison’s 5-for-6 from long range, the team went just 4-for-32 behind the arc. Three of those makes came from White, who shot 3-for-10. As a team, the Bulls shot 40.6% from the floor and just 18-for-33 at the rim, while the Pacers hit 50.7% of their looks.
It all underscores a tumultuous season marching to a conclusion. But it’s hard to not appreciate Harrison’s energy and stay-ready approach.
“He's another guy that's improved,” coach Jim Boylen said. “He has unbelievable habits... He's there early, he's there late. And when guys work and care, they seem to play well.”
Harrison certainly is right now. If that’s a defining storyline down the stretch for the Bulls, it won’t be a good sign. But he remains a bright spot worth recognizing.
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