Who is Montrezl Harrell? Montrezl Harrell is a name that resonates with basketball fans for his relentless energy and impressive skills on the court. Born on January 26, 1994, in Tarboro, North Carolina, Harrell has carved out a significant place in the NBA despite being a second-round draft pick. Known for his tenacious play and versatility, he has played for several teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Harrell's journey from a small-town athlete to an NBA Sixth Man of the Year is a testament to his hard work and determination. Beyond basketball, he is also a sneaker enthusiast and community advocate.
Key Takeaways:
- Montrezl Harrell's journey from a small town to the NBA showcases the power of hard work and determination, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
- Beyond his basketball success, Harrell's commitment to community involvement and personal growth sets an example for overcoming adversity and leaving a positive impact.
Early Life and High School
Montrezl Harrell's journey to the NBA began in a small town in North Carolina. His early years were filled with sports and family, setting the stage for his future success.
- Full Name and Pronunciation: Montrezl Dashay Harrell's first name is pronounced "mon-TREZ" with a silent "L" at the end.
- Early Life: Born to Samuel and Selena Harrell, Montrezl has two younger brothers, Cadarius and Quatavius.
- High School Career: At North Edgecombe High School in Tarboro, North Carolina, Harrell played both football and basketball. He was even recruited by NC State for football but chose basketball.
- Hargrave Military Academy: After high school, he attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, leading the team to a 38-1 record and averaging 25.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.
College Years at Louisville
Harrell's college career at the University of Louisville was marked by significant achievements and growth as a player.
- College Commitment: Initially committed to Virginia Tech, Harrell switched to Louisville after coach Seth Greenberg was fired.
- University of Louisville: Starting as a backup, Harrell quickly rose to prominence, scoring 20 points in a game against Syracuse to help win the Big East championship.
- Karl Malone Award: In the 2014-2015 season, he averaged 15 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, earning the Karl Malone Award as the nation’s best power forward.
NBA Draft and Early Career
Harrell's transition to the NBA saw him drafted by the Houston Rockets, where he began to make a name for himself.
- NBA Draft: The Houston Rockets selected Harrell with the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
- Rookie Season: In his rookie season, he played 39 games, averaging 3.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.
- Second Season: Harrell's second year saw him play 58 games, averaging 9.1 points per game, including a career-high 28 points against the Denver Nuggets.
Trade to the Clippers
A significant trade brought Harrell to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he continued to develop his skills and impact.
- Trade to Clippers: On January 8, 2017, the Houston Rockets traded Harrell and others to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Chris Paul.
- Clippers' Bench Unit: Harrell and Lou Williams formed a top-scoring bench duo, leading the Clippers' bench unit.
- Career Highs: In the 2018-2019 season, Harrell set a new career high with 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 16 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Sixth Man of the Year and Lakers Contract
Harrell's performance earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Sixth Man of the Year: In the 2019-2020 season, Harrell averaged 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
- Contract with Lakers: On November 22, 2020, Harrell signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, debuting with 17 points and 10 rebounds against the Clippers.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond basketball, Harrell has a rich personal life and diverse interests, including a passion for sneakers.
- Personal Life: Harrell enjoys collecting and designing sneakers, often working with customizers to bring his ideas to life.
- Family Matters: In 2020, Harrell left the NBA Bubble to tend to his grandmother, who passed away soon after.
- Legal Issues: On June 15, 2022, Harrell faced a felony drug charge, later downgraded to a misdemeanor in August 2022.
Community Involvement and Foundation
Harrell is deeply involved in his community, particularly through his foundation aimed at helping at-risk children.
- Foundation: The Montrezl Harrell Youth Foundation supports at-risk children in his hometown of Tarboro.
- Athletic Background: Harrell's athletic background includes playing football in high school, where he was recruited by NC State.
- High School Rivalry: Harrell has a friendly rivalry with Todd Gurley, an NFL player from Tarboro High School.
College Achievements and Tattoos
Harrell's college career was filled with achievements, and he carries reminders of his journey through his tattoos.
- College Achievements: At Louisville, Harrell became the all-time leader in career dunks and led the team to an NCAA national championship.
- AAU Team: Harrell has tattoos of his AAU team members' names, symbolizing their bond as "Brothers for Life."
Career Statistics and NBA Teams
Harrell's NBA career has seen him play for multiple teams, with impressive statistics to his name.
- Career Statistics: As of his last NBA season, Harrell's career stats include 542 games, 17.6 minutes per game, and a 59.3% field goal percentage.
- NBA Teams: Harrell has played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Trade to 76ers and NBL Career
Harrell's career took new turns with trades and a move to the National Basketball League (NBL).
- Trade to 76ers: In 2022, Harrell was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
- NBL Career: As of 2024, Harrell plays for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL.
Awards and Recognition
Harrell's contributions to basketball have earned him numerous awards and recognition.
- Awards and Recognition: Harrell was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2020 for his outstanding performance.
Community Involvement and Social Media
Harrell remains active in his community and uses social media to engage with fans and promote his projects.
- Community Involvement: Harrell supports various community initiatives through his foundation.
- Social Media Presence: Active on social media, Harrell engages with fans and promotes his sneaker designs.
Philosophy and Mental Approach
Harrell's philosophy on basketball and life emphasizes hard work, determination, and staying grounded.
- Philosophy on Basketball: Harrell believes in making every minute on the court count through hard work and determination.
- Mental Approach: Staying grounded and focused, Harrell credits his family and AAU teammates for his mental strength.
Career Milestones and Team Roles
Harrell has achieved significant milestones and played various roles throughout his career.
- Career Milestones: Harrell is one of the top scorers off the bench in NBA history, consistently improving his stats each season.
- Role in the Team: Harrell's versatility has made him a valuable asset, playing roles from backup center to key bench contributor.
Leadership and Personal Growth
Harrell has developed strong leadership skills and grown personally through his experiences.
- Leadership Skills: Harrell motivates teammates and contributes to team success with his leadership.
- Personal Growth: Facing challenges like injuries and legal issues, Harrell has used these experiences to learn and improve.
Legacy and Future Plans
Harrell's legacy in basketball extends beyond his achievements, with plans for the future both on and off the court.
- Legacy in Basketball: Harrell's story inspires young players, and his community service leaves a lasting impact.
- Future Plans: Continuing his career in the NBL, Harrell looks forward to exploring opportunities beyond basketball.
Philosophy on Life
Harrell's life philosophy emphasizes perseverance and growth through adversity.
- Philosophy on Life: Harrell believes in using adversity as an opportunity for growth, shaped by his experiences.
- Lessons Learned: The lessons from his journey have made Harrell the person he is today, both on and off the court.
Montrezl Harrell: A Journey of Resilience and Dedication
Montrezl Harrell's story is one of grit and determination. From humble beginnings in Tarboro, North Carolina, to becoming the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Harrell's journey is inspiring. His tenacity on the court and commitment to community service off it make him a standout figure. Despite facing challenges like legal issues and personal losses, Harrell has consistently shown resilience. His versatility and leadership have made significant impacts on every team he's played for, whether in the NBA or the NBL. Beyond basketball, Harrell's work with the Montrezl Harrell Youth Foundation highlights his dedication to giving back. As he continues his career, Harrell's legacy will be remembered not just for his stats but for his positive influence on and off the court. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance.
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