Gary Harris, 19th overall, Denver Nuggets
Status: So many guards, so little playing time
Nabbing Harris much later in the first round than most anticipated him to go, the Denver Nuggets (after a draft day trade with the Bulls) got themselves a steal. It became even more of a steal when Harris went off for the Nuggets in Summer League play, averaging over 18 points per game. He only shot 32 percent from the field, but he did have a 33-point explosion in his SL debut. Harris still has the makings of the biggest steal of the 2014 draft. A solid debut for the incoming rookie in Vegas.
Unfortunately, much like Ennis, Harris is with a team that has an influx of players that play his position. Already possessing Randy Foye, the Nuggets brought in Aaron Afflalo from a trade with the Orlando Magic. They also already have Quincy Miller. All three are shooting guards who aren’t skilled enough to play the point and not big enough to play small forward, much like Harris. Four players all fighting for playing time at the same position could create a very interesting training camp battle, but Harris is going up against proven veterans. He’ll have a lot to prove.
It’s more likely we see Denver try to make a deal moving Foye or relegate Miller, but it’s a position battle and one worth keeping an eye on in Denver.