Maurice Harkless
A versatile NBA journeyman whose defensive hustle and athleticism made him a valuable piece for multiple playoff teams.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American-Puerto Rican basketball player·Birthday: May 11·Millennials
Biography
Maurice 'Moe' Harkless emerged from New York City's basketball crucible, making an immediate splash in his single season at St. John's University. His length and defensive potential caught the eye of the Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him 15th overall in 2012, though he was quickly traded to the Orlando Magic. In Orlando, he evolved from a raw prospect into a starting-caliber wing, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and finish explosively in transition. His career path became that of a sought-after role player, contributing to competitive teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, where his defensive versatility was key during several deep playoff runs, and later the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat. Beyond the NBA, Harkless embraced his Puerto Rican heritage, representing the island's national team in international competitions, adding another layer to his professional identity.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Maurice was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Maurice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Maurice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 15th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft after a standout freshman year at St. John's University.
- Started 69 games for the Orlando Magic in the 2014-15 season, averaging a career-high 7.4 rebounds.
- Played a significant defensive role for the Portland Trail Blazers during their run to the 2019 Western Conference Finals.
- Represented the Puerto Rican national basketball team in FIBA competitions.
Did You Know?
He was named the 2011 Big East Rookie of the Year.
He played high school basketball at South Kent School in Connecticut alongside fellow future NBA player Dion Waiters.
His father is from Puerto Rico, which allowed him to play for the Puerto Rican national team.
He was traded on NBA Draft night in 2012 from Philadelphia to Orlando as part of the multi-team deal centered on Andrew Bynum.
“My role is to lock down the best player and do the dirty work.”
