Denver Nuggets: A look at Gary Harris’ advanced defensive stats
By Mathew Huff
Gary Harris is clearly the Denver Nuggets’ best perimeter defender.
If you do not have faith in the Denver Nuggets’ starting two guard, then go ahead and take a look a the numbers.
Per NBA.com, Harris had a defensive rating of 107.5 last season to go along with a steal average of 1.8 per game. It is a travesty he did not get selected to either of the All NBA Defensive Teams. Gary also possessed a defensive rebounding percentage of 6.8%.
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
However, where Gary Harris excels is getting into the passing lanes to disrupt passes. When the Denver Nuggets won, Harris averaged 1.9 steals per game. In losses, he averaged 1.7 steals per game. At home, Gary averaged 1.9 steals per game as well.
In games where the team won, Harris had a solid defensive rating of 100.8. Much better than his defensive rating in losses where he had one consisting of 115.6. In wins where the team claimed a victory at home, Gary possessed a defensive rating of 105.
During the last month of the season for the Nuggets, Harris had an insane defensive rating of 91.9, even though he did miss some time at the end of the year. He still got the job done at the defensive end despite coming down with the injury bug.
There is a reason he is considered the Denver Nuggets’ own Jimmy Butler and/or Klay Thompson. During periods where Harris had six days or more off, Gary had a great defensive rating of 97.1. Exactly what you want to see from the player who you call upon to guard the opposition’s best perimeter player after a long period of rest.
Harris averaged 3.3 points off of turnovers this past season. While it does not look like much on paper, when you take into account Denver was a middle of the road defensive team, it is good to see this number.
Next. Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark
The Nuggets have a defensive gem in Gary Harris and it is time for the rest of the league to take notice of his terrific work on that end of the floor.