Although, the Nuggets decided to draft Jamal Murray from Kentucky with the seventh-overall pick in the draft, coach Michael Malone is still confident in his starting two guard from last season, Gary Harris.
Malone joined Gil Whiteley on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1340/FM 104.7 to talk about Harris.
“Everybody thinks, because we took Jamal Murray, what’s going to happen to Gary Harris?” said Malone. “Harris is a player, and I love Harris. I think he was our most-consistent player last season, and right now he looks like he is ready to play tomorrow, that’s how great he looks, and I’m excited about that for Gary.”
Harris was perhaps the Nuggets’ most-consistent player last season, missing only six games while averaging 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals a game.
He has improved his game in every major statistical category and is expected to continue to thrive in Malone’s offense. Even with Murray, Malone is confident Harris will be a major factor next season.
Tim Connelly, who spoke with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on the Afternoon Drive later in the afternoon, agreed.
“Where Gary is right now and how much work he’s putting in,” Connelly said, “it’s going to be very difficult for anyone to take his job.”
Murray’s selection should motivate Harris to raise his game and perform at an even higher level next season. For Harris, it’s time to show the Nuggets why they drafted him in the first round, and if he’s so effective that he keeps the new kid on the bench, even better.
Check out what else Malone had to say in the podcast below…
Catch Gil Whiteley every weekday from 11a-1p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.
