Denver Nuggets- Where Are They Now: Al Harrington

Big Al’s Career

Harrington was drafted straight out of high school with the 25th overall selection in the 1998 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. The 1998 USA Today’s National Player of the Year appeared in just 21 games during his lockout shortened rookie year as he struggled for playing time behind Dale Davis, Antonio Davis and Sam Perkins.

His first big impact on the professional level came in his third season in the NBA, as a 21 year old. That campaign, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 24 minutes of game time. The following season, Harrington was having an even better year, posting 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds before a knee injury force him to miss the last 38 games of the year.

During his first six seasons with the Pacers, Harrington was used primarily in a sixth man role, starting in only 91 of 354 games played over that stretch.

In his seventh season, Harrington finally became a starter when, he was traded to the Hawks in exchange for Stephen Jackson. He continued to increase his personal statistics, posting 17 points and 6.4 boards in his second year with Atlanta.

After a brief second stint in Indiana, as well as one respectable season with the Golden State Warriors, Harrington was traded to the Knicks five games into the 2008/09 year.

It was during this season in the Big Apple that Harrington posted his career high in points, with 20.8 per contest on 45% shooting. After two seasons with the Knicks, Harrington signed a multi-year deal with the Nuggets.

While Big Al spent just two seasons with the Denver Nuggets, his impact on the organisation was vast. He arrived at a time when the future of the Denver Nuggets was murky. The franchise had a new general manager, a star player who wanted out, and were facing the prospect of a closing championship window.

Through it all, Harrington was a consistent player and presence for the organisation. On the court, he came off the bench to average 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while off it, he managed to keep fans positive with his infectious smile and personality.

Harrington had the ability to play either forward position, as he had the body to be able to bang down low, but also the slight touch to be able to be a threat from long range. He was composed during late game situations and then head coach George Karl entrusted the veteran down the stretch.

His second season in Denver Nuggets was better statistically speaking, as he posted 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds en route to helping the Denver Nuggets make the playoffs for the first full season post Carmelo Anthony.

After Denver, Harrington spent two injury plagued seasons in Washington and Orlando before a short stay in China.

He retired in 2015 after 16 seasons in the NBA.