Rasheed Wallace Blasts Tobias Harris, Urges 76ers' Forward to Step Up in Game 3

Amidst the 76ers' disappointing playoff start, former NBA star Rasheed Wallace has taken aim at forward Tobias Harris, demanding that he elevate his performance in the crucial Game 3 against the New York Knicks. Wallace, known for his fiery personality, pulled no punches in his criticism, accusing Harris of being a hindrance rather than a difference-maker.

"Rasheed Wallace Blasts Tobias Harris, Urges 76ers' Forward to Step Up in Game 3"

In the aftermath of the Philadelphia 76ers' stunning Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, former NBA star and four-time All-Star Rasheed Wallace has unleashed a scathing critique of forward Tobias Harris. Wallace, a guest on his podcast "Sheed & Tyler," minced no words in expressing his disappointment with Harris' underwhelming play.

"I can't really blame Buddy [Hield], though. He just got here. I can motherf---ing blame Tobias [Harris] with his s---, though," Wallace bluntly proclaimed. "If you're listening, we mad with you, too, dog. You gotta step that s--- the f--- up. Yo, you getting all that bread. We need more than 5-for-12 for 10 points. We need more than that from him."

Wallace's criticism stems from Harris' struggles in the first two games of the Eastern Conference First Round series. The 6-foot-9 forward has failed to make his presence felt, averaging just 8.5 points on 29.4% shooting while struggling to contain his opponents on the defensive end.

In Game 1, Harris mustered a mere seven points on 3-of-7 shooting, while in Game 2, he contributed 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Wallace believes that Harris, who is in the final year of his five-year, $180 million contract, must shoulder more responsibility and make a significant impact for the 76ers to succeed.

"Here's the whole key how you step up. It's not a matter of, 'OK, I had a bad shooting game tonight, so now I gotta go out here tonight, Game 2, and prove that I can shoot,' and now you might shoot horrendous again," Wallace explained. "You gotta make that difference within the game."

Wallace went on to emphasize the importance of Harris being more aggressive, particularly when 76ers star Joel Embiid is resting. "You gotta go at it, dog. You gotta go at it hard. Just come with that, as we said, that young boy energy, that full energy."

Harris has been praised for his rebounding in the playoffs, averaging nine rebounds per game, but Wallace believes that he needs to offer more than just hustle on the boards. "You gotta make that difference within the game. You can be a little extra greedy because what's happening, all they doing is switching. Mitch [Robinson] is a good defender. He's a good shot blocker. But, at times, when he comes out, other than that, they ain't got no shot blocker in there like when Embiid go to the bench. We ain't got no shot blockers in there."

The 76ers are desperate for a win in Game 3, as a loss would put them in a precarious position in the series. Wallace's critique of Harris underscores the urgency for the forward to step up and fulfill his potential.

"It may be early in the seven-game series, but if the Knicks pull out a victory on the road Thursday night, the 76ers' backs are definitely against the wall," Wallace concluded. "Tobias Harris, the ball is in your court. It's time to prove that you're worth the hefty paycheck and help the 76ers overcome this adversity."