Who has been the most surprising player in this year’s NBA playoffs? Different fans have different answers. For us, one standout is Tobias Harris.
In a recent playoff game, the Pistons fell to the Cavaliers 103-112, tying the series 2-2. Harris contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. His streak of scoring 20-plus points in consecutive playoff games ended at eight, but he remains the Pistons’ clear second option in the postseason. His experience is something young Jalen Duren simply can’t match.
Yet, despite his consistent production, Harris has never been an NBA All-Star. Why? Because he’s too balanced—a jack of all trades, master of none.
The story begins with his father, Torrel Harris. Torrel’s life is a tale of hustle. He worked as a waiter, sold leather jackets, and even sold insurance. A sharp mind, he was earning $300,000 a year in the 1980s. But basketball was his true passion. He played college ball and later in a minor league, where his coach was a pre-fame Phil Jackson.
Torrel later became a sports agent, and his first client was NBA legend George “Iceman” Gervin. Though Gervin had left the NBA, Torrel helped him secure a contract in Europe. Gervin became a family friend and coached Torrel’s six children in basketball—including young Tobias.
Tobias Harris became the most accomplished of the siblings. Guided by his father and the Iceman, he quickly developed and entered the NBA through the 2011 draft.
Torrel had stopped being an agent in 1992, moving into apparel and securing licensing deals with the NBA and NFL. But for his son, he returned to the negotiating table.
In 2015, after Tobias’ rookie contract expired, Torrel cleverly negotiated a 4-year, $64 million deal with the Magic. The Magic had initially offered just $32 million. Torrel leaked rumors that the Knicks wanted Tobias, forcing Orlando to double the offer.
By the 2017-18 season, Tobias—now with the Clippers—averaged 19.3 points and was a sought-after scorer. The Clippers promised a 4-year, $80 million extension. But Torrel advised patience, knowing the 2019 free-agent class would be thin. The Clippers, unwilling to lose him for nothing, traded him to the 76ers for two first-round and two second-round picks. After seeing Tobias average 20.9 points in the 2018-19 season, the 76ers gave him a 5-year, $180 million contract.
In the 2024 offseason, Torrel helped Tobias secure a 2-year, $52 million deal with the Pistons. That brought Tobias’ total NBA earnings to over $300 million, ranking 22nd all-time. He is the only player in that top 22 who has never made an All-Star team.
On the court, Tobias is a steady scorer. Off it, his father’s sharp instincts and negotiation skills have paid off. Tobias’ contract expires in 2026, when he’ll be 33—still in his prime. This postseason, he scored 20-plus points in eight straight games. Will the Pistons keep him, and at what price?
It’s contract year season again. Let’s see how Torrel Harris plays this one.
