The Orland Magic have had an extremely tough schedule to start the season but they have come out of it alright as they are 3-5. The record isn't great but the Magic are a young team with a lot of talent that is hoping to make a push for the playoffs this season. One of the keys to making that jump this season is Tobias Harris who is transitioning from full-time small forward to full-time power forward and has had some trouble with it so far, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel.
Harris has played some power forward before in his career but for the most part he has been a small forward and the two positions are definitely different. The reason for the switch is that the Magic are loaded on the wings but somewhat thin in the frontcourt so starting Harris at the four allows head coach Scott Skiles to start Evan Fournier (the team's leading scorer) and Victor Oladipo as well.
"Just being at the 4, it's a different position, something I just have to get used to. I'm seeing some good opportunities. I just have to capitalize. I just have to use my speed. What's really going to help is the better we move the ball," said Harris regarding his position change.
Harris' numbers so far this season are a little down but there isn't anything too alarming about them that would make you think he is struggling. Through eighth games the 23 year old is averaging 14.8 points and eight rebounds (would be a career high) while shooting 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three. The issues for Harris so far have come when he tries to finish around the rim as he has struggled to make close shots over bigger defenders.
Harris is a little bit undersized for power forward (6 foot-9) but he can make up for that with his quickness and athleticism. Transitioning from small forward to power forward is a big one so it is not a big surprise that he still hasn't fully gotten it down but Harris is confident he will soon. The good news is that Harris is still playing pretty well despite this transition so once he does fully figure it out sky is the limit for him and this young Magic team.
