Was It Worth It for Montrezl Harrell to Come to the NBL?

Listen to the full discussion on The Basketball Fix Podcast

The Montrezl Harrell NBL Experiment

Montrezl Harrell’s stint in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers has been nothing short of eventful. But as the dust settles on the season, one question lingers: was it worth it for Harrell, the Adelaide 36ers, and the league itself?

A Boon for the NBL and the 36ers

From an NBL standpoint, Harrell's arrival was a marketing masterstroke. As a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell brought immediate international attention to the league. Fans who may never have watched an NBL game were suddenly tuning in, drawn by Harrell's reputation and star power.

For the Adelaide 36ers, the short-term benefits were clear. Ticket sales spiked, social media engagement soared, and merchandise flew off the shelves. Harrell's presence alone made the 36ers a talking point, not just in Australia but in basketball circles globally.

On the court, Harrell delivered. His performances were often dominant, and his partnership with Kendrick Davis created moments of brilliance. However, this heavy reliance on two players came at a cost. The development of young talent like Nick Marshall suffered, and the team dynamic felt stifled. Isaac Humphries saw reduced minutes, and bench players were left with limited opportunities.

The Downsides for Adelaide

Adelaide’s gamble on Harrell was a double-edged sword. Yes, they gained short-term exposure, but they also sacrificed long-term growth. The lack of development for young players and the disruption of team chemistry could have lasting repercussions.

With whispers of Marshall potentially leaving the club, Adelaide may face a rebuilding phase sooner than expected. Harrell’s arrival pushed the 36ers into the spotlight, but it also highlighted their internal struggles and questionable decision-making.

Did It Benefit Harrell?

For Harrell, the NBL stint was meant to be a springboard back to the NBA. His stats were impressive, and on paper, it seemed like a no-brainer for an NBA team to give him another shot. But basketball isn’t just about numbers. Harrell's on-court altercations, clashes with teammates, and outbursts towards coaching staff have raised red flags. NBA teams, already cautious about player temperament, might see Harrell as more of a liability than an asset.

While his time in the NBL showcased his talent, it also reinforced concerns about his attitude. For an NBA franchise investing millions in players, Harrell's behavioural issues could outweigh his basketball skills. His path back to the NBA now seems more uncertain than ever.

A Memorable Cameo

Harrell’s NBL experiment undeniably brought attention to the league, provided Adelaide with short-term benefits, and reminded fans of his undeniable talent. But for Harrell himself, the season may have done more harm than good to his NBA aspirations.

Whether he returns to the NBL, heads to another international league, or finds his way back to the NBA remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Harrell's time in the NBL will be remembered, for better or worse.