Denver Nuggets: Player grades from a blowout win in Chicago

CHICAGO, USA - MARCH 21: Richard Jefferson (22) of Denver Nuggets in action during the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets at United Center in Chicago, USA on March 21, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, USA - MARCH 21: Richard Jefferson (22) of Denver Nuggets in action during the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets at United Center in Chicago, USA on March 21, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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Denver Nuggets v Chicago BullsCHICAGO, IL – MARCH 21: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 21, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 936046018
Denver Nuggets v Chicago BullsCHICAGO, IL – MARCH 21: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 21, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 936046018 /

Devin Harris – A

It’s been a hard transition for Harris.  Although he’s moved around a bit in the league, he had spent the first-five and last-five years of his NBA career in Dallas.  In a sad twist, Harris was on the team that lost to the Heat in the ’06 NBA Finals but was playing in Utah when the Mavericks won the 2011 title.

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Harris seems to be getting more accustomed to the Nuggets style and players.  His last two contests have been as “breakout” as a reserve guard gets. Last night he had 14 points, three rebounds and five assists.  Add in a steal and a block and Devin made an impact in his 24 minutes of action.

Harris looked comfortable and confident, getting to the hole, distributing and shooting.  He shot 62.5% from the field and 50% from three.  He was a +26 (+/-) for the game.  A stellar improvement considering we were wondering last week if we got value in the Mudiay trade (we did.).

It’s not certain that the Nuggets will retain Harris beyond this season.  Like Jameer Nelson last year, Devin is 35 and on an expiring contract.  If he can maintain steady play at the point and couple that with veteran leadership, it may not be a bad deal for the Nuggets to explore another couple of years for Harris.  He’s earning 4.4 million this season, hard to imagine the market will be appreciably higher than that for the aging free-agent.

Whichever way the fortunes turn for Devin, it’s good to see him playing well and contributing.