Utah Jazz need Harpring's attitude as tough-man

"I mean, that's a talent in itself," said Harpring. "Everyone says, 'How high can you jump? How fast is he?' when they scout someone, but it's as important as anything, I think, to have someone who's tough."

As a rookie in Orlando, Harpring played under coach Chuck Daly, the creator of the infamous Detroit "Bad Boys."

"I was always told as a rookie by Chuck Daly that toughness and playing hard are hidden talents and no one really talks about it, but it's as high as anything," said Harpring.

So with a Jazz team that has repeatedly been called soft defensively, look for Harpring to make his black-and-blue mark in the playoffs. He'll be the one skidding across the floor on his seat, cascading into the stands, or stopping a layup with a semi-tackle. The guy the L.A. crowd hates most.

He'll also be the guy Sloan takes out to lunch.

E-mail: rock@desnews.com