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Montrezl Harrell signs with Sixers

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 25: Montrezl Harrell #8 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on in the second half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 25: Montrezl Harrell #8 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on in the second half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on February 25, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Former Charlotte Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell has found his next NBA home. After 25 games with Charlotte during the 2021-22 season, Harrell will head north to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract.

Acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Ish Smith, Vernon Carey Jr., and a second-round draft pick, Harrell brought the energy and intensity that he is known for during his time with the Hornets. Across his 25 appearances, Harrell posted averages of 11.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 64.5% from the field. He proved to be an effective offensive big man for Charlotte, finishing the season with the highest individual offensive rating on the team as well as the highest net rating and the second-highest effective field goal percentage. His chemistry in the pick-and-roll with LaMelo Ball was something that the Hornets had been searching for since Ball’s arrival, and his finishing around the rim was a boon to Charlotte’s interior presence on offense.

However, his defense left something to be desired. His individual defensive rating of 112.0 was not great, and his 6’7″ frame left him vulnerable as a rim protector. With Steve Clifford’s defensive emphasis returning to the Hornets’ bench this season, Harrell’s departure is not incredibly surprising.

What’s next for the Hornets and for Harrell?

Harrell’s time in Charlotte saw his lowest averages in points, rebounds, and minutes since his 2017-18 campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers. Now entering his age-29 season, it is not surprising that Harrell was not a part of Charlotte’s long-term plans. With a talented young trio of big men in Kai Jones, JT Thor, and Mark Williams, frontcourt minutes figure to be a valuable resource for the Hornets this season and giving heavy minutes to Harrell may not have been the wisest decision in the long run.

Although Charlotte gave Harrell, a North Carolina native, a chance to play close to home, he may find Philadelphia to be a better fit. He will now enter a role as the backup to All-Star center Joel Embiid and will be a rotational piece on a team vying for a championship. Harrell will also be reunited with Doc Rivers and James Harden, the former from his time with the Clippers and the latter from his time with the Houston Rockets.

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