Orlando Magic: Tobias Harris Is on Pace to Make His 1st All-Star Appearance

The Orlando Magic boast an intriguing roster, one consisting of talented youngsters as well as a few solid veterans.

However, the future of this team rests in its youth. With core pieces such as rookie Elfrid Payton, second-year standout Victor Oladipo and double-double machine Nikola Vucevic, the Magic can realistically transform into an Eastern Conference contender in one to two seasons.

But one of Orlando's most valuable players is unquestionably 22-year-old Tobias Harris. In fact, based on the small forward's performance this season, he may be on pace to qualify for his first All-Star Game.

Harris can accomplish this through his ability to score at a high rate and secure a significant number of rebounds. 

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Thus far, the Tennessee product has proven to be exceptional in putting the ball in the basket. He is averaging a career high of 18.9 points per game, he is leading the Magic in scoring and he is doing so while shooting an efficient 47.6 percent from the floor.

What's impressive about Harris is that he's producing points from everywhere on the court. Whether he is posting up on the block or knocking down threes—where he's hitting a stunning 43.4 percent of his attempts, by the way—the 3-man is a threat from all areas.

This includes his talent for driving the lane, as his impeccable combination of athleticism and strength allows him to explosively attack the rim and finish consistently inside.

And every now and then—to all NBA enthusiasts' pleasure—this aggressiveness will lead to incredible displays of sheer physical greatness:

Authoritative yet graceful. In other words: a perfect finish.

Considering these truths, it's no wonder Harris ranks among the top-scoring small forwards in the East. According to ESPN.com, he is fourth in his conference in points, trailing only LeBron James (24.2), Carmelo Anthony (23.2) and Jeff Green (19.8).

Harris may only be fourth, but his average includes games he has played alongside another 18-plus-point- per-game scorer in Vucevic. In the four games Harris has performed sans Vucevic (who's sidelined right now with a back injury), he's produced an outstanding 20.5 points per contest.

As of now, Harris is one of the most elite-scoring small forwards in the NBA. This by itself will at least give him consideration for Eastern Conference All-Star qualification.

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However, points alone won't guarantee his place. What might help, though, is his gift for grabbing rebounds.

Harris is pulling down a superb 7.9 boards per night through 21 games played. While he may be second on his own squad in this area behind Vucevic (11.7), the 22-year-old is the best rebounding small forward in the entire NBA, according to ESPN.com.

The 3-man possesses exceptional instincts when crashing the boards. He can successfully predict the trajectory of the ball's bounce, quickly react to make the play and utilize his length (6'11" wingspan) to fully secure the rebound.

Not only is Harris a great defensive rebounder, but he is also admirable on the offensive glass as well. Although he's averaging only 1.2 offensive boards per game, his hustle on this end will oftentimes lead to points.

Watch and witness the effort (skip to 0:22):

See what I mean? When he brings that type of energy, he and his team as a whole reap the rewards.

Harris' rebounding has allowed him to accumulate multiple double-double outings as well. Based on stats from ESPN.com, he is tied for third among all 3-men in double-double performances with five.

Orlando boasts a bright future, and barring any setbacks in restricted free agency next summer, Harris will likely be a part of it.

The Magic possess quite a player in Tobias Harris. His potential is through the roof, and as long as he keeps up his high-level performance this season, he may very well qualify for his first All-Star Game in 2014-15. 

(Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com) 

Josh Haar is an NBA Contributor for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JHaarNBA.