It’s not always easy to get a spot in the NBA. Especially if you’re a role player and not an explosive talent. 24-year-old EJ Harkless A. K. A Elijah Harkless is no different. Despite his brilliance as a defensive role player, the 6 ‘3 guard struggled to get a call from the franchises. However, the LA Clippers have recently put the rising star’s adversity to rest after giving him an opportunity. But, before breaking down the young gun’s game, let’s find out whether EJ has a blood relative in the league.

It’s common to find players with similar surnames in the league. For instance, at least three players had Malone as their second name (Moses, Karl, and Jeff). And yet none of them were related to each other. Similarly, in Elijah’s case, he also shared his surname with 31-year-old Maurice Harkless. The duo doesn’t seem to have any record to prove that they’re related. So, it’s safe to say, they’re separate entities.

Moreover, Maurice has a Puerto Rican root to his identity and also has represented the island country in international games. On the other hand, Elijah Harkless was born in San Bernardino, CA, and played ball at various parts of the land. Currently, Maurice has been a free agent for the last two seasons after having a steady 10-season-long journey in the NBA, representing teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, and even the LA Clippers.

This 6 ‘7 tall player switched between a small forward and shooting guard throughout his career. Most importantly, he had an impact on both ends of the court with a career-best stat of 10.0 ppg 50.3% FG and 1.1 steals per game during the 2016-17 season. Now that we know a star put his efforts on both ends of the court, let’s find out about the rising star, who is a menace on the defensive end.

Elijah Harkless – The LA Clippers’ latest defensive aggressor

Unlike Maurice Harkless, Elijah is an undrafted talent in the NBA world. But the rising star had had a spotlight on him since his high school career. However, he finally reaped the benefits after a few years of toil. Veteran NBA reporter Keith Smith reported that the Clippers have signed a training camp contract with EJ after his Summer League exploits. He recorded 7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, and 0.8 steals per game during his impressive stint.

The 6 ‘3 guard has a low defensive stance, like every good defender that exists in the league. For instance, Gary Payton, who was a steal expert, also had a low stance with his fierce eyes set on the offensive player. Similarly, EJ Harkless displayed lockdown defense whenever he stepped on the court. Speaking of his own play, he said, “You got to play defense… Just depend on your brother behind you and always talking and playing defense. You can always win with defense. Offense will come and go, but the defense you can do that every single night.”

The first sign of wide reach came in during the 2024 Summer League. After spending a season with the Ontario Clippers in the G-League, Harkless got a call-up for the Clippers’ Summer League roster. Dahntay Jones, who coached the side, had his eyes set on the talent. Speaking of his defensive abilities, Jones said, “EJ has a defensive skill that is underrated in our game… He turns people, gets in front and he competes. He’s nasty because his disposition is what you want of a defender.”

EJ is not just a ‘defensive nightmare.’

Playing under the coaching of David Kleckner, who is known for his defensive prowess, EJ has his basement set firmly in high school. Reportedly, the budding star didn’t receive many offers from colleges and settled down with Cal State Northridge in 2018. In the following year, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma and moved to UNLV for his final year.

Even though Harkless had a tough time setting up a permanent base, he proved himself in one aspect which was defense. Notably, he led the Big West Conference in steals with 1.7 per game during his sophomore and continued to maintain the number throughout his collegiate career.

However, it’s not only about the defensive prowess but also stepping up the offensive game. EJ certainly seemed to have convinced Dahntay Jones about his spot in the seniors’ roster. Impressed with the rising star’s all-round game, Jones said, “Guys like that who can knock shots down and can guard multiple positions, they can play a long time in our league… He already takes shots and knocks shots down… Defensively, he’s just a nightmare when he gets on your point guard or main scorer.” 

If Harkless makes it past the training camp contract, then he will have the opportunity to learn from the best. Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers superstar forward, has the rare potential of 2-way dominance. Linking up with him, the rising star can go the distance in the league.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.