Portland Trail Blazers: Who should fill out the roster?
By Ty Delbridge
5. Devin Harris
Age: 36
Position: PG
Years pro: 15
The Blazers let Seth Curry walk in free agency this summer. Curry was the primary backup guard last season behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. He averaged 7.9 points and 1.6 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game while shooting 45 percent from the 3-point line.
Coach Terry Stotts likes to use a three-guard lineup throughout games and Curry was a stable fit alongside the two stars because of his excellent shooting and ability to defend.
Curry will likely be replaced by 2018 first round selection, Anfernee Simons. The 20-year-old Simons played well at the end of last season and in this year’s Summer League and looks ready to take the next step in his career.
At 6’4″, he is a natural scorer and Blazers president basketball operations, Neil Olshey said he is one of the most talented players he has ever drafted.
"“It’s all coming together for him (Simons), and he is as talented as anyone we have ever drafted since I’ve been here.” Olshey said"
Portland should look to find another ball handler to play behind Simons, Lillard and McCollum just in case they get hurt or if Simons doesn’t seem ready to play big minutes. That is where the veteran guard, Devin Harris, comes in.
Harris is at a point in his career where he should not be expecting to play consistent minutes — that should be a priority of the franchise as to not take away playing time from Simons — and should look to take on more of leadership/mentor role for the younger guys.
The Blazers have not had an older veteran presence in the locker room since Chris Kaman in 2014.
The one-time NBA All-Star has played in a total of 985 games, and for his career, Harris is averaging 10.8 points, 3.9 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game and is shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from the 3-point line.
Harris still has some life left in his professional career and played in 68 games in 2018-19 for the Dallas Mavericks.
He would be able to play some minutes for the Blazers if needed during the year and can play both guard spots. Portland would only need to bring him in for one season basically as a roster filler.