Joe Harris credits Nets for his new NBA value
Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after a three point basket in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Credit: Jim McIsaac
DETROIT — Two years ago, Joe Harris admittedly was “almost on my way out of this league” after playing only five games with the Cavaliers, shuffling to the G League and then undergoing foot surgery. But as the NBA trade deadline approached at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, Harris suddenly found himself as a desirable commodity because of his three-point shooting and affordable $1.5 million expiring contract.
Although the defending champion Warriors are among the teams with a reported interest in Harris, he’s happy where he is. “I love being a part of this organization,” Harris said before starting against the Pistons Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. “My experience in Cleveland was quite a bit different than here, not only from the playing standpoint but just culturally this organization is different.
“Not to say one is right or wrong, but I do appreciate the way that they do things here. That is something you can’t take for granted and that I appreciate being a part of.”
Harris praised general manager Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson for bringing in “like-minded, high-character people” throughout the organization. If he has value now, it’s because of the work the Nets put into developing him and others.
“I’ve been thankful, one, for the opportunity and then, the fact that they’ve taken such pride in development and working with our young players,” Harris said. “You can kind of go across the board and see how much each of us have improved. A lot of that is a testament to Kenny and the staff and their approach to development.”
Whatever happens at the deadline or in free agency this summer, Harris understands it’s part of the business. “Things can change in a hurry,” Harris said. “But I really like being here a lot . . . and being able to carve out a little bit of a niche in the league. I appreciate the way they do things here in Brooklyn.”
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
