NBA Draft results 2015: Montrezl Harrell picked by Houston
Harrell slipped to the second round, but to a conference finalist.
The Houston Rockets have selected Louisville forward Montrezl Harrell with the No. 32 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The bouncy big man has a relentless motor and is one of the longest players in the draft, which are ideal traits for an energy player off the bench. He was the second Louisville player taken in Thursday's draft after Terry Rozier went to Boston at No. 16.
Harrell spent three seasons at Louisville, first playing an important bench role as a freshman when the Cardinals won the national title in 2013. With Gorgui Dieng off to the NBA following that title run, Harrell transitioned into a feature role as a sophomore and blossomed into a consistent force, averaging 14 points and 8.4 rebounds on the year. He averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds as a junior as Louisville reached the Elite Eight.
Ethan Rothstein of The Dream Shake, SB Nation’s Rockets blog, is happy the team went with the best player available instead of pursuing fit.
I didn’t want the Rockets to take a point guard at 32, because that would be pointless with a promising player on the roster in Nick Johnson. Michael Frazier stood out as a possibility because he’s a lights out shooter, but relying on rookies to be dependable shooters right away is a fool’s errand. Harrell was simply the best player available, and Morey took him. Great pick.
Standing at under 6’8, Harrell is a bit undersized for a power forward, and he doesn’t offer much offense outside the paint. However, his wingspan is over 7’4, and his athleticism and motor make him a terror around the basket. The lack of offensive skills may limit his upside, but he could provide value as a hustle player on both ends of the floor.
Harrell can fit in right away in Houston, especially on defense, inside the three-point line.
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