Denver Nuggets: Gary Harris’ next level is Klay-like impact

Does Denver Nuggets’ guard Gary Harris produce a similar impact to Golden State superstar Klay Thompson? Let’s find out…

Gary Harris’ game:

Gary Harris is unlike many other NBA stars. He doesn’t bask in cameras and perpetually market his greatness. His celebratory moments are often acknowledged with a quiet smile. Gary works hard, plays within the system, and constantly betters himself.

Harris signed an $84 million extension in 2017, cementing his role in Denver’s future “Big Three”. No one noticed…because his demeanor didn’t change a bit.

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Several Nuggets could be classified as somewhat complex. Jokic is a facilitating stud at center…while Murray flashes mind-boggling scoring upside at point guard. Gary is quite the opposite. His game is steady, beautiful…and actually quite simple. Harris excels shooting the basketball, scoring at the rim, and stiffing his man defensively.

Gary’s best attribute is his smooth, consistent outside shot. Harris tied Jokic for tops on the squad, splashing 39.6 percent from three-point range (ESPN). Gary moves well without the ball, effectively freeing himself for open looks. These off-ball skills helped him drain 2.3 treys per game in 2017-18, leading Denver in three-point volume. Much of Gary’s net-rippling is off the catch-and-shoot, rendering him an effective tool in Denver’s offense. Defenses are forced to reconsider double-teaming Jokic, thanks to Harris’ outside presence.

In addition to his long game, Harris shoots a solid mid-range jumper. He netted 46.6 percent between 10 and 16 feet last year (Basketball Reference). Gary improved his play-making skills during the 2017 off-season. Now he creates his own mid-range looks. Gary’s next step involves longer pull-up jumpers…he shot just 38.5 percent between 16 feet and the three point arc last season (Basketball Reference). As he improves from this area, Harris will sport a dangerous all-around scoring game.

Gary posses underrated proficiency at the rim. Jokic knows this, and Harris quickly became his favorite cutter. In 2017-18, Gary converted an electric 71.8 percent of his attempts at the rim (Basketball Reference). The best way to consistently receive great dishes in the NBA? Convert the shot and reward the passer with a dime. To complement his keen knack for finishing, Harris moves well without the ball, creating constant scoring opportunities. He averaged 3.4 attempts at the rim last year, good for second-highest on the team (Basketball Reference).

Defensively, Harris locks up top opposing guards on the nightly. While no one classifies Gary as All-Defense material, he certainly is above-average in this regard. He racked up 1.8 steals per game in 2017-18, good for sixth best in the NBA (ESPN).

How Gary reaches Klay’s impact level:

Harris is a junior-varsity Klay in several regards. He scores at an effective clip (17.5 ppg in 2017-18), yet falls just short of Thompson’s level (20.0 ppg). Harris splashes a respectable three-point percentage (39.6 percent), but Klay’s is higher (44.0 percent). Gary is known as a solid defender, yet Thompson’s size makes him the better-regarded stopper.

The good news – this creates an easy road-map to Klay’s level. Harris doesn’t need a dramatic overhaul. Gary can simply improve each facet at his current growth rate. Better scoring, shooting percentage, and defensive impact will propel Harris to Klay’s stardom.

From a scoring standpoint, Harris should see a small leap this season. He proved himself a solid scorer last year…18-20 ppg is attainable for 2018-19. Gary’s cutting game will benefit from another year of experience. Fans will see an ascension in Gary’s ability to read screens, freeing him to convert more Jokic assists. If Harris a) increases his three-point percentage past the 40 percent clip, and b) nets 43 percent or better from 16+ foot mid-range, this alone will move him past the 18 ppg clip. Anything over this brings him close to Klay’s scoring average.

Regarding shooting percentage, Gary’s is solid overall (48.5 percent last season). His role should be modified in 2018-19, which actually helps this facet. While Harris sometimes assumed play-making duties last season, this should no longer be the case. Barton and Isaiah will be all too eager to fill this role. Gary can focus on shooting, finishing and defense…using Jokic, Barton and IT to generate better looks for himself. Although Harris doesn’t necessarily launch bad shots, now he can generate even better attempts. Rarely will situations require Gary to heave uncomfortable shots. This could propel him past Klay’s 48.8 percent next season.

Defensively, Harris established himself as Denver’s top perimeter guard dog. He possess the speed, foot quickness, and springy athleticism to frustrate opposing scorers. However, Gary will always chase Klay rank-wise due to Harris’ lack of size. Nonetheless, Gary can close the margin with steals. If he increases his picks and develops a thieving’ reputation, this will help his defensive stock immensely. Opposing scorers will think twice before dribbling near Denver’s steal king.

Klay Thompson is a well-regarded superstar with four All-Star appearances (LandofBasketball). The Nuggets don’t have anyone like that, right? Wrong. Gary Harris is close…and he is arguably Denver’s third best player. Stop underestimating the boys in navy blue. They will make noise in the playoffs soon enough.

Harris, meanwhile is becoming quite the shooting guard for Denver. Expect him to occupy this two-guard spot for the foreseeable future.