Denver Nuggets: What’s the deal with Gary Harris?

Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris is averaging under eight points per game over his past seven contests. What can the squad expect from him in the postseason?

Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris seems like a solid player, right? He’s a strong 3-and-D guy, who at his best is likened to Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson.

Well, here are some numbers from Gary Harris in 2018-19:

• Zero games with 20 or more points since Nov. 30
• Failed to reach double-digit scoring in 18 of his past 36 games
• 12.8 points per game, 2.3 assists per game
• 41.7 field goal percentage, 34.2 3-point field goal percentage

Seems a bit underwhelming, doesn’t it?

I mean … this is Gary Harris; the guy who convincingly established himself as Denver’s best two-way player in 2017-18.

This is the same dude who hit last season’s shot of the year — a game-winning buzzer beater right in the eye of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (we’ve got some eyedrops for ya, Russ!).

Many envisioned a huge 2018-19 season for Harris. Especially after a stellar October saw him net 19.4 points per game.

Yet, it become increasingly clear that October wouldn’t characterize what’s become a frustrating season for Harris. Because since November, he has failed to ellipse 11.3 points per game in any given month.

Fast-forward to April, and Harris has shot under 50 percent in six of his past seven contests. Some would argue this to be his season’s rock-bottom.

But then again … it may not be all gloom-and-doom for the savvy two-way guard.

Despite nagging lower-body injuries, Harris continues to serve as a spectacular perimeter defender. His 104.6 defensive rating bests that of any Nuggets starter, including defensive quarterback Paul Millsap‘s 105.0.

The duo has completely transformed Denver’s defensive rating from a swiss-cheese-esque 109.9 last year (eighth-worst in the NBA) to a sturdy 107.8 in 2018-19 (10th best).

Another factor involves the emergence of other starters. Forward Paul Millsap averaged 13.6 points in February and 13.5 in March, prompting Coach Malone to drift towards his preferred post-driven offense.

Backcourt mate Jamal Murray is averaging a career-high 18.2 points per game. Small forward Will Barton has dropped double-digits in 11 of his past 13 games.

Other scorers are taking shots from Harris, which suggests his season may be a story of different roles, and not raw, uncut poor play. The well-rounded dynamic allows Harris to focus on his true strength, the 3-and-D game.

Which leads us to Harris’ most blatant disappointment; this year’s shooting woes.

Just two years ago, Harris shot 50.2 percent from the field and 42.0 percent from 3-point range. His deep ball percentage has dropped nearly eight points in 2018-19, while his overall percentage has plummeted by eight and a half.

Denver’s offense is built with an emphasis on open 3-point looks. Positioned around Jokic’s superb passing, Harris will receive golden opportunities from deep. His poor shooting will see chances to improve.

Although better shooting isn’t the only way Harris can boost the squad.

In March’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets had built a 23-point advantage. They followed with a lackluster segment, in which LeBron James and company swiftly cut Denver’s lead to 89-87 with 8:30 remaining. It was at that moment Harris took over.

In his best step-up spurt of the season, Harris proceeded to score 11 points in under two and a half minutes, slamming the door on the Lakers’ comeback hopes. Denver rode the momentum wave … all the way to six wins over the following seven games.

Sometimes success is less about numbers, and more about competitiveness and cohesion. Harris regaining his magical stroke would be huge come playoff time. However, his ability to boost the team in dire moments could be destiny-changing.