Gary Harris... a hunch. Keep any eye on this one. Would be an interesting bench filler for less than MLE $ who could play 20 mpg in the playoffs. Only 6'4 but has the length to bother guys bigger than him.
It's really shocking to see how much he dropped off after he got paid. Could definitely be a good option as a bench 2, especially if some of our other depth at that spot (Nas/Keon/Didi) is shipped out in deals for forwards. Would certainly rather see him in a game than Elleby.
Harris is still only 27. I think he can regain some of his old prowess on a team with meaningful playoff goals. Oladipo is another option but I think Harris might be a better fit because of his shooting. And probably cheaper. I love the defensive versatility of a potential spot lineup including Harris/Hart/Nas all being able to switch 1-3, maybe even 2-4 given how terrific Hart/Little are on the boards.
If we’re going to spend the MLE on 6’4 guys, how do you suggest we fill out the backup C and PF spots? We don’t need anymore guards, especially ones like Oladipo—there’s only one basketball. Harris, why? You only consider bringing in Harris if Hart is being shipped. Having Dame/Ant/Hart/(Oladipo or Harris) means Hart and one of those two will likely average 14mpg a piece assuming Dame and Ant both play 34mpg. I’d rather Hart just play 25-30mpg. Hart is a better player than Oladipo (only cause he’s played like 60 games since 2019) and Harris at this point, and neither Harris or Oladipo can play full time PG. Is Oladipo still going to be far surpassed Ant in playmaking after Ant’s second year under Billups? Bamba or Jalen Johnson should be the goal if you’re looking for a big. Serge would work as a PF/C as well, for all those that keep saying “we can’t bring in young guys if we want to compete now”. Any of the theee would all give us a different stylistic option from Nurk.
To me, Harris should be a BAE target if anything. I don't know that the market for him will be extensive.
Hmm…well then maybe he would be an interesting get. Although the logjam at guard is still there. He might be the best BAE out there, but still wouldn’t make sense for the team. I’d certainly think about trading Hart and signing Harris to fill that spot, but it wouln’t be for long. Hart seems like he’s the perfect fit going forward. I wouldn’t think about trading him unless Ivey miraculously fell to #7 or something like that.
Well as I said above, to me he would be a depth piece that would be of value if other depth pieces like Keon or Nas are dealt. I would see him as having situational value in a 3 guard lineup along with Hart and one of Dame or Ant.
The TPE is something that may come in value when negotiating with FA. As long as the other team has the player's bird rights - Portland could do a S&T into one of the TPE. In the scenario above, use the MLE on Smith & do a S&T for Bamba into the TPE.
