Washington Wizards back up center Montrezl Harrell is having a solid year and is one of the key reasons for the team's early success. Harrell is on pace to do something not seen in 36 years in the NBA.

Harrell is averaging over 16 points per game and is shooting over 65%. The NBA has not seen a bench player put up those numbers for an entire season since Darryl Dawkins did it way back in the 1985-1986 season.

Dawkins accomplished the feat for the New Jersey Nets playing a shade under 24 minutes per game, making it that much more impressive.

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This is Harrell's first season as a member of the Washington Wizards. He began his career with the Houston Rockets but really made a name for himself with the Los Angeles Clippers. Following a one year stop with the Lakers, Harrell joined the Wizards this off season.

Harrell backs up the young big man, Daniel Gafford, but he is not taking a back seat. In the midst of a career year, Harrell has helped the Wizards off to an exceptional start. They are 14-8 on the season and sit in 1st place in the Southeast division. They are also 2nd in the Eastern conference standings.

Harrell is coming off one of his more impressive performances Wednesday in a home win vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. That game, he dropped 27 points on 11-12 shooting. That type of efficiency will certainly help the surprise of the NBA hang around all season.