Education
South Kent School.
South Kent School.
He played college basketball for the Saint John"s Red Storm before being drafted 15th overall in the 2012 National Basketball Association draft. Internationally, Harkless represents and plays for the Puerto Rican national team In his sophomore and junior seasons at Forest Hills High School, Harkless earned all-metro honors from both the New York Daily News and New York Post.
He played at South Kent High School his senior year and averaged 27.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
In March 2012, Harkless declared for the National Basketball Association draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility. Orlando Magic (2012–2015)
On June 28, 2012, Harkless was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2012 National Basketball Association draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harkless impressed in his first National Basketball Association season as he averaged 8.2 points per game and provided good defense. He ranked top 11 among all National Basketball Association rookies in scoring (11th), rebounding (9th), field goal percentage (8th, 461), steals (2nd), blocked shots (8th) and minutes played (T-7th).
In 76 games (59 starts), he also averaged 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 26.0 minutes per game.
Harkless began his sophomore season starting alongside Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson. However, when Victor Oladipo was inserted into the starting lineup, coach Jacque Vaughn opted to play combinations of Nelson, Oladipo, Afflalo and Harris on the wing. As a result of the backlogged situation, Harkless" minutes decreased from 26 as a rookie to 21 per game during January 2014.
He went on to pick up his minutes and production in February when he was inserted back into the starting line-up.
He remained in the starting line-up for the rest of the season and finished with averages of 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.2 steals in 24.4 minutes per game. Portland Trail Blazers (2015–present)
On July 14, 2015, Harkless was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a 2020 second round draft pick.
On January 29, 2014, Harkless declared his interest in playing for Puerto Rico at the 2014 International Basketball Federation Basketball World Cup following a series of reunions with coach Paco Olmos. However, he later withdrew his name from contention in July 2014 in favor of preparing for the 2014-2015 National Basketball Association season.
While his father is African-American, Harkless" maternal grandfather hails from Puerto Rico.