Sports Illustrated: Al Harringtons early success this year
Harrington is shooting 70 percent on two-point shots and has emerged as an improbable Sixth Man of the Year candidate, though the award remains James Harden’s to lose. Unlike some of the other guys on this list, Harrington isn’t hitting an unsustainable number of long two-point jumpers. Of his 24 spot-up chances this season, all but a couple have been either threes or drives to the rim, according to Synergy Sports. He’s crashing the boards a bit harder, something he’ll have to do as a power forward (or even a center!) in George Karl’s small lineups. The bad news: That two-point shooting percentage is going to come down, though Harrington figures to do better than his current 30 percent mark from deep. Also, he has been a total black hole this season, averaging less than a single assist per 36 minutes. On nights his shot doesn’t fall, Harrington is going to have to find other ways to contribute.

