Let’s be honest; the Nuggets are cute but they aren’t real contenders. One man is mainly responsible, Gary Harris. There is no other way to describe it. Gary Harris is killing Denver. They will never be taken seriously until Harris improves or they find a trade partner to upgrade his spot.
Harris, 25, has done nothing since his 4-year, $84 million extension kicked in. Harris was on the path averaging 17.5 points on 48.5 percent during the final year of his rookie contract. When the big money started kicking in, Harris started to stink. The former Michigan State product is averaging 10.2 points on 40.5 percent shooting and 31.6 percent from 3. Harris just isn’t good.
Nikola Jokic is great. Jamal Murray isn’t good enough to be the 2nd best player on a title team, but maybe he can improve. Let’s say I give you that one even though I shouldn’t. You’re not winning shit with Gary Harris as the 3rd highest paid player on the team. Paul Millsap isn’t the same guy anymore either. Hey, I’m sure Mason Plumlee will change the outcome of a series. I’m sure he will look really great out there against the Rockets’ small ball lineup.
The Nuggets are cute. They can be feisty on a lot of nights. They have a great home court advantage with the altitude. Real contenders? Stop it. This is a team that couldn’t beat Portland in a series and the Blazers probably won’t even make the playoffs this year. Hell, they almost lost to San Antonio and they’re a mess. Denver doesn’t have a shot in hell to beat the Clippers. Gary Harris is killing them.
