Trail Blazers' Maurice Harkless: Impressive effort off bench Tuesday

Harkless posted 14 points (5-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven rebounds and three blocks across 21 minutes in Tuesday's 109-106 preseason victory over the Lakers.

Analysis:

Locked in a battle for the starting small forward spot with Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner, Harkless took Tuesday's round, outperforming both players while coming off the bench. Harkless received the start in the preseason opener and logged 10 points, and Crabbe and Turner have had their turns in the starting five in the two subsequent games, so coach Terry Stotts could well be going with a three-man rotation during the exhibition slate until he reaches a decision on a starter. With Turner also able to fill in at either guard spot and Crabbe likely profiling better as a second-unit option, Harkless could have the inside track for the job if he can continue to produce as he did Tuesday.