Montrezl Harrell’s summer hoops sprint runs through Louisville and Big3
The former Louisville standout scored 35 in TBT, then set a Big3 record with 42 points less than a day later.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Montrezl Harrell packed two games, two cities and one scoring record into a wild summer weekend.
The former Louisville forward played 31 minutes Saturday for The Ville, the Cardinals alumni squad, against La Familia, a team made up of former Kentucky players, in The Basketball Tournament. Less than 24 hours later, he was in Chicago with the Triplets for Big3 action, according to CBS Sports.
Harrell’s Sunday stop ended with a Big3 record. The league said on X that he scored 42 points, topping the previous single-game mark of 37 set by Isaiah Briscoe, as the Triplets beat LA Riot 50-31.
Through two Big3 games this season, Harrell has 76 points, sixth in the league, according to CBS Sports.
A quick turn from TBT to Big3
Harrell’s schedule is not easing up. He is due to play for The Ville at 6 p.m. ET Wednesday in a decisive Game 3 against La Familia on FS1, then travel more than 300 miles for a Thursday Big3 game in Detroit, where Chicago faces the Amps.
The Triplets are also scheduled to meet DMV Trilogy on Aug. 2 in Atlanta on CBS, according to CBS Sports.
Harrell told CBS Sports by phone Wednesday that the grind reflects his attachment to the sport.
“I'm different, I love basketball,” Harrell said. “I actually love being part of this game.”
Harrell said some players treat basketball only as paid work, but he does not want that for himself.
“I never wanted to play the game of basketball like that because it's my peace, it's my sanctuary,” he told CBS Sports.
Still tied to Louisville
Harrell helped Louisville win the 2013 national title and played three seasons for the Cardinals before entering the 2015 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets selected him in the second round with the No. 32 overall pick.
His NBA run included time with the Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Wizards, Hornets and 76ers. He became one of the league’s top bench scorers and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2020 after averaging a career-best 18.6 points for the Clippers, according to CBS Sports.
On Monday, Harrell returned to Freedom Hall in Louisville and scored 35 points to help The Ville even its series with La Familia. TBT said on X that he added eight rebounds and shot 14 of 16 from the field.
With 3:53 left and The Ville ahead by 25, Harrell jumped onto the scorer’s table, a moment CBS Sports described as the game’s highlight.
Harrell told CBS Sports the scene reflected why he still feels connected to Louisville.
“That's why I feel the love, the fans and the people who were there when we made the run that we made,” he said.
The Basketball Tournament winner receives a $2 million prize, according to CBS Sports.
NBA door remains open
Harrell has not appeared in the NBA since the 2022-23 season. He most recently played for Atléticos de San Germán, a professional team in Puerto Rico, according to CBS Sports.
He told CBS Sports he would welcome another NBA chance, while saying that decision rests with teams.
“I'm definitely open to going back to the NBA,” Harrell said.
Harrell also claimed an unnamed player damaged his reputation, making a return tougher. CBS Sports did not identify that player or report a response from them.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.