Getty Kawhi Leonard (2) of the LA Clippers is fouled by PJ Tucker (17) of the Houston Rockets in front of Danuel House Jr. in 2019.
It was a busy offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers as they worked to find the final pieces of a championship roster. P.J. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton may have stolen the spotlight as the most impactful additions, but one player who has not gotten enough attention is Danuel House Jr.
The Sixers handed the 29-year-old a two-year contract worth $8.5 million hoping he would develop into an effective two-way rotation player. Signs of his effectiveness have impressed the Sixers this preseason, and House has already been praised by his coach and several new teammates.
During Philadelphia’s October 10 preseason victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, House had a near-perfect performance. In 14 minutes of play, he added 10 points, two rebounds and two steals. He connected on all four shots from the field and both of his 3-point attempts. His activity on defense also made an impact, and his energy and athleticism stood out.
8️⃣ pts in 7️⃣ mins for @DanuelHouseJr…the efficiency 🤌
House’s Mindset
Following the victory, House, 29, told reporters about his mindset heading into the season. After being asked what his role is on the team, he replied, “My role is just to be energy. My role is to be the guy to make stuff happen, make plays happen, make a shot, knock down a shot, get a rebound, pass the ball, set the play up, run the play up, set the screen, whatever the team needs pretty much.”
Danuel House on his 76ers role: “My role is just to be energy, My role is to be the guy to make stuff happen, make plays happen, make a shot, knock down a shot, get a rebound, pass the ball, set the play up, run the play up, set the screen, whatever the team needs pretty much.”
This team-first mentality has also caught the attention of Doc Rivers and the rest of the Sixers’ locker room. When asked about his thoughts on House Jr. following the game, Rivers said, “I love him. I love his spirit before he gets on the court. I love his talk. He’s one of the other guys that talks a lot. But he shoots the ball. He’s just playing very, very smart basketball.”
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on Danuel House Jr.: “I love him. I love his spirit before he gets on the court. I love his talk. He’s one of the other guys that talks a lot.
“But he shoots the ball. He’s just playing very, very smart basketball.”
This has been an early theme surrounding the Sixers. Several other teammates have opened up about the veteran’s positive impact. House specifically mentioned his relationship with Paul Reed and how his knowledge of music has opened the door for this relationship when talking to Ky Carlin of SixersWire.
History With Harden
It is no coincidence that House made his way to Philadelphia. He had his best years with the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden and under Daryl Morey. During the 2019-20 season, he served as the team’s primary starting small forward and averaged 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game during his 30.4 minutes per game.
Danuel House looks pretty good!
While he may not see as large of a role on the Sixers, House still looks to be a seamless fit alongside Harden. His willing shooting and impactful defense make him a solid 3-and-D option for the team and he has already benefited from Harden’s gravity.
This is how Harden’s gravity as a scorer creates points without him actually doing anything. Garland takes a step too far away from home to take away the driving lane, and Harden rifles to House for a C/S. There was nothing there for House, and then Harden enters the picture.
This additional depth on the Sixers’ bench has been a major reason for optimism surrounding the team. Each guy is sure to play a role in the team’s success this year and the attitude that House enters the season with is a major indication of this. Having this type of lineup diversity is a major asset throughout a full 82-game season and House will surely be ready for whatever role is asked of him.