KEY POINTS

  • Harrell can reach All-Star status with the Wizards if he can recall his old form
  • Harrell's NBA title dream may get clearer if he rebounds from a forgettable stint with the Lakers
  • Harrell is likely aware that a good season will be the ticket to bigger pay

There is reason to be upbeat that Montrezl Harrell will shine once again with his new NBA team.

Although he will need to compete with Rui Hachimura and Kyle Kuzma at the frontline, the chances of him having a better performance compared to last season are expected.

Having won the 2019-20 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, there were high expectations set on the 27-year-old forward.

But with little playing time, and in some instances benched, Harrell hardly got the chance to be a significant piece in the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020-21 NBA run.

With the Wizards, he should have more playing time and provide the energy for the team. It is what the 6-foot-7 cager has known for.

Tied up to that, Harrell could fulfill two of his alleged untapped potential for the coming NBA wars.

“I haven’t been an All-Star in this league since I’ve been here. So, I feel like I have a lot of untapped talents. I haven’t been to an NBA Finals, I haven’t won a championship. There’s a lot of things I haven’t done as a player, so there’s a lot of untapped [potential] that I feel like I can reach,” Harrell said when he spoke to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports.

These are things that should serve as motivation for the native of North Carolina. But realistically, being named an All-Star appears to be the feasible target for now.

The Wizards have a talented team, but it pales in comparison when compared to other powerhouse squads.

In the Eastern Conference alone, Washington needs to first worry about the reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers Getty Images | Meg Oliphant

Harrell will earn $9.7 million for the coming NBA season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Depending on his performance, there is a chance that the Wizards may try to retain him. However, other teams may also try and lure him with a better deal.

Should Harrell achieve that All-Star status, his stock will only grow. It may be motivation for him, but reaching that goal could be tied to him attaining the NBA title dream.

Regardless, Harrell has all the reason to bounce back with a vengeance this coming season and rekindle that old flame that somehow got snuffed with the Lakers.

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