Tobias Harris' biggest criticism suddenly has a major problem

Let's squash this notion that Tobias Harris is a poor defender right now. That's always been one of the biggest criticisms of the 15-year veteran's game, despite consistent improvement on that end of the floor. Unfortunately, it seems that when the NBA community brands you with a label, it's hard to shake. However, these defensive stats from the recent playoff run should ease everyone's mind.

Allow me to break down this graphic: the X-axis accounts for defensive playmaking (steals+blocks+deflections), while the Y-axis represents opponent field goal percentage. The further right a player goes, the more disruptive he is, and the higher he sits, the worse opponents shoot against him.

The first thing Spurs fans will notice is how ridiculous Victor Wembanyama is. But if you look closely, where Harris is positioned doesn't quite fit the narrative being pedaled about his defense.

Harris will defend for the Spurs just fine

Tobi is a solid positional defender, holding opponents to about 41% FG. That's well better than the chart average of 45%. Despite criticisms from people seemingly holding onto the past, the former Pistons forward was at least an effective shot defender during the postseason.

Don't expect Tobi to wreak havoc on offenses by racking up steals or blocks. That's not his game, but it doesn't have to be. There's more to defense than that, and Harris understands how to use his tools to make opponents work hard for their points. San Antonio could always use more of that in their defensive scheme.

They already have Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell to generate turnovers and come up with blocks. But now, instead of hoping Keldon Johnson is having a good day on defense, Spurs Nation will be able to count on Harris. He can move his feet, play his matchups physically, and contest well without fouling.

Not to mention, look who Tobias is grouped up with on that chart. Devin Vassell, Josh Hart, and Jarrett Allen. None of those guys are bad defenders. In fact, they're often lauded for their contributions on that end of the floor, and Harris is right next to them. That should count for something.

Tobias has been known as a poor defender for some time, but that's not the reality, and the numbers back that up. There's much more nuance to it than that. He doesn't make a ton of defensive plays, but players still struggled to score efficiently against him. That's exactly the kind of steady, low-mistake defender the Spurs could use next to Wemby.

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