Maurice Harkless had the size, athleticism and defensive versatility to be an X-factor for Portland. But heading into the 2018–19 season, could he finally deliver that kind of impact consistently? Here’s our original player analysis, followed by a look back at how things turned out.
Looking back: The X-factor who never quite found consistency
Historical update (November 2026): Harkless was one of those Blazers who could look terrific one night and nearly disappear on offense the next. His length, hustle and ability to guard different positions were valuable, particularly alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. But whether he could provide reliable scoring and outside shooting was always another question.
And the 2018–19 season pretty much captured that entire experience. Harkless played 60 games, starting 53, and averaged 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks in 23.6 minutes. He shot a respectable 48.7% from the field, but just 27.5% from three-point range. Defensively, he could help change a game. Offensively, opponents could still dare him to shoot. Same old dilemma.
To his credit, Harkless remained an important part of a team that won 53 games and reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. He started all 16 postseason games, provided defensive versatility on the wing and helped Portland survive the series against Oklahoma City and Denver. It wasn’t a breakout scoring season, but it was a meaningful contribution to one of the franchise’s better playoff runs.
After the season, Portland moved on. In July 2019, Harkless and Meyers Leonard were included in the four-team transaction that brought Hassan Whiteside to Portland and Jimmy Butler to Miami. Harkless landed with the Clippers, while Leonard went to the Heat. Funny enough, we’d previously discussed the possibility of Portland acquiring Butler in Should the Portland Trail Blazers Trade for Jimmy Butler?. Instead, a year later, Harkless became part of the deal that sent Butler somewhere else.
Harkless continued his NBA career with the Clippers, Knicks, Heat and Kings, but his role gradually diminished. His final NBA regular-season appearances came with Sacramento in 2021–22. The strengths and limitations that made him such an interesting player in Portland largely followed him through the rest of his NBA career.
So did he find that consistency? Not really—at least not as a shooter or scorer. He was much more dependable as an energetic defender and role player than as an offensive weapon. But that’s worth something, too. Harkless was a flawed player, no question, yet he played a real role in Portland’s 2019 playoff run. If only that outside shot had been as reliable as his defense.
For another look at Portland’s defensive-minded forwards from that season, revisit my Al-Farouq Aminu player analysis.