Five Reasons To Be Excited For The 2014-15′ Denver Nuggets
By Andrew Dill
Sep 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) poses for a portrait during media day at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
3. Is Gary Harris a Steal at No. 19?
As stated earlier, the Nuggets knew that the two guard spot was their weakest position last season. So they drafted Gary Harris, after returning Arron Afflalo, to solidify their shooting guard rotation. As reported by CBSSports.com on June 26, 2014:
“CBSSports.com’s Matt Moore doesn’t think this is a slam dunk of a pick for the Nuggets but it’s very solid.”
“Nuggets: B: They need more shooting, and Harris provides that. Small, but he’s behind a bigger Arron Afflalo. He will make them better.
— Matt Moore CBS (@MattMooreCBS) June 27, 2014”
"“The 6-4, 210-pound Harris averaged 16.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2013-14 for the Spartans, who finished 29-9 and lost to eventual champion UConn in the Elite Eight.”"
Forget the “B” grade; Harris averaged 18.6 points 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game during the Summer League. Not only did Harris show his outside shot and offensive skillset, but he also surprised everyone with his quick hands and athleticism. Harris also averaged 2.6 steals per game and showed us that he can play well on both ends of the floor.
Sure, it was just the Summer League, but compared to college, it was played against better competition, and Harris delivered the goods with flying colors. Training camp is next, followed by the pre-season. How Harris plays in the regular season is the next thing that excites us about the Nuggets’ 2014-15 campaign.
Who knows, he may be the steal of the draft at the No. 19 overall pick.