Al Harrington

Overview: A combo forward with decent athleticism and great offensive skills. Has good height for a small forward and decent size for a power forward. Shows the mobility to play on the perimeter and the bulk to receive some time in the post, although he doesn’t defend or rebound anywhere near well enough to justify the minutes he plays at the 4. Has fulfilled much of the promise he showed as prep at St. Patrick’s, where he won the Naismith Award as a senior. Didn’t make an impact in Indiana immediately. Developed a nice inside-outside game during his time with the Hawks. Got a chance to be the go-to-guy in Atlanta. Still doesn’t make his teammates better, and often appears to be playing for himself. Effort and body language is extremely poor at times. Brings a unique offensive dimension to Don Nelson’s system, but isn’t an ideal fit. Could be a more productive player on a team with less offensive options. Cousin of fellow NBA player Dahntay Jones.

Offense: A big time scorer at either forward position—versatile, although not terribly efficient. Gets about a third of his offense as a spot up shooter, with another third coming from isolations and fast breaks. Will get a few touches in the post and set picks out on the perimeter from time to time as well. Harrington gets to play to his strengths on the offensive end. Fantastic catch and shoot player from three-point range, although his shot-selection can be mediocre at times. Not nearly as good pulling up off the dribble. Likes to try and get to the rim when he drives. Solid ball handling ability. Average passer. Doesn’t turn the ball over at all. Good finisher at the rim. Has great instincts for how to put the ball in the rim. Usually likes to pop out to the perimeter after his teammates dribble off his screens. Doesn’t have to work very hard off the ball since his teammates can create for him. Will run the secondary break well, and can finish the fast break as well. Can bring the ball up the court if needed, which is a nice asset from your power forward. Can put points on the board in bunches against slower players that have to respect his drive. Shoots a pretty good percentage from the line. Turns over his right shoulder almost exclusively with a man on his back. Shows a nice fade away turning that way.

Defense: Often asked to guard back to the basket power forwards and centers, which he seems to have little patience for. Gets posted up at will, lacking the height or strength to contest. Fundamentals appear to be lacking, doesn’t put very much effort in on the perimeter. Gets beat way too easily. Conditioning is average, appears to have lost a step athletically for that reason. Doesn’t rebound well at all for his position.