Harrell: "Whatever it takes"

He’s played 549 games in the NBA and lined up against some of the best players in the world, but Montrezl Harrell still has a point to prove on the court.

Returning from an ACL injury which sidelined him for the best part of the year, Harrell is fighting fit and ready to make his mark in the NBL.

Touching down in Australia on Monday, he’s already joined his Adelaide 36ers teammates for practice, and now he has one eye on Round 1.

“I’ve been watching the league ... it’s definitely physical, it’s a fast-paced league, they get up and down, but it all fits into my style of basketball,” Harrell said of his knowledge of the league.

“I feel good. The injury is not bothering me at all.

“I don’t even think about my knee. Honestly, it doesn’t bother me. 

“We just went through an hour and a half practice and I’m not feeling any fatigue, or any soreness, or any pain, and that’s after travelling a full day’s and being on two planes. 

“I feel good and I’m ready to get back out there and show guys I’ve really worked at my game, I’ve really worked at my body and craft of what I do to this game, and ready to show I’ve done that through the Summer to put me back where I want to be.”

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year joins a star-studded Adelaide roster as an injury replacement player, stepping in for Jarell Martin, and will looking for a return to his best form for a potential return to the NBA.

“This team (the 36ers) understood where I’m coming from and where I want to get back to,” Harrell said. 

“They welcomed me with open arms and they want to help me get back to where I want to be, and that’s in the NBA. 

“I’m going to give it everything I’ve got for the whole time that I’m here ... if I do what I’m supposed to do in the game and in between these lines, the back-end will play out for itself.”

The 30-year-old said he’d heard amazing things about the NBL from former Los Angeles Clippers teammate, Derrick Walton Jr, and despite his breadth of experience at a high level, wouldn’t be looking to make it a one-man show. 

“I’m just here to do whatever it takes to win ... it’s just about doing the things we need to do to win the basketball game,” Harrell said. 

“Coach (Mike Wells) has a vision, and I’m not coming here to change that or re-direct that. I’m coming here to help and improve what they already have going.”

Harrell will line up for the 36ers in their clash against the Sydney Kings on Sunday, with the game live and free via Channel 10.