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Denver Nuggets: Close-up on Denver’s big three

By James Siegle

(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Gary Harris:

What Harris does well

An effective three-and-D guy, Harris is molded after Golden State’s Klay Thompson. Both possess an off-ball presence…desperately needed by their play maker-heavy squads.

Offensively, Jokic will rack up much possession time. So will Murray and Barton, serving as secondary play makers to Jokic. Isaiah Thomas will certainly use his share of dribbles as well.

This makes Harris a blessing.

Gary can be found curling off screens, cutting to the basket, and spotting up for three-point attempts. Like Klay, he shoots a high clip from the field (49% FG) and three-point-range (40 percent 3P%), while also scoring with volume (17.5 ppg ESPN).

Harris is actually one of the NBA’s top guards in terms of combining scoring volume and efficiency. He trails only Thompson and Kyrie Irving in this regard (ESPN).

Similar to Thompson, Harris locks up top opposing scorers. He is a savvy defender who only keeps improving. His quick feet, active hands, and springy athleticism frustrate opponents into tough shot-attempts.

Coach Malone could deploy a situational lineup featuring Harris, surrounded by Craig, Millsap and Plumlee. The Nuggets wouldn’t look half-bad defensively…for once.

What the future holds

While Jokic’s game is complicated and Murray’s thrilling…Harris’ game is much simpler. He is a rock-solid three-and-D man.

The NBA sports numerous guys who play savvy defense and knock down threes. Take Danny Green and Trevor Ariza, for example. Then we have the elites. Klay Thompson, Paul George and Bradley Beal would land in this category.

While Harris will likely improve his attack game, this won’t be his primary role. Most of Gary’s growth will come in a familiar realm. Improving his basket cuts, spot-up reads and finishing abilities will be Harris’ money ticket.

Harris should aim for the elites this year. When names like Paul George and Klay Thompson are mentioned, Gary’s hopefully won’t fall far behind.

Next. Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark

The simple three-and-D game can take players to stardom. Hopefully Gary’s ticket is soon to be punched.

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