The Nets could soon have one of their top perimeter shooters back in the lineup. Joe Harris is expected to return to practice soon and could be back in action “in the next couple weeks,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on SportsCenter (hat tip to Adam Zagoria of Forbes).
Harris, who is in the second year of a four-year, $75MM contract, was averaging 11.3 PPG and 4.0 RPG in 14 starts before he underwent ankle surgery on November 29. At that time, he was given a four-to-eight week timetable for his return. Harris is a 43.9% career 3-point shooter and would be a huge boost for a club currently ranked No. 16 in 3-point shooting.
We have more on the Nets:
- Kyrie Irving would be more than just a part-time player if he got vaccinated. However, Kevin Durant said he won’t pressure the enigmatic point guard to get the shots, Nick Friedell of ESPN writes. “I told him how important he is, how much I want him to play — play every game. But I’m not about to force somebody to get a vaccine, like that’s not my thing. So he can play basketball? Nah, I’m not about to do that,” Durant said. “We’ve had conversations about wanting him to be a part of the team and conversations about him being here full-time, but that’s on his time.”
- Brooklyn’s lineup won’t have any stability due to Irving’s status, but coach Steve Nash will try to keep it as simple as possible, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Patty Mills started on Friday when the team lost at home to Milwaukee. “I think it’s to be simple,” Nash said. “Two things. One, keeping it simple is best for everyone. Two, something is always going on with our squad and availability, so we’re mixing-and-matching often. So keeping it simple in this case is probably the best way, and the way that makes the most sense. “
- DeAndre’ Bembry got his salary guaranteed for the rest of the season on Friday but he’s not content with signing one-year, non-guaranteed deals every season, as he told Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. “I’m not the one to just sit there and think about the contract. I’m thankful for these opportunities as always,” Bembry said. “But like I said, (I’m) looking forward to the next opportunity. I want more and feel like I deserve more, and I’m definitely going to go out there and take it.”
Bembry has earned it with his play recently. He was the one who sparked the comeback against Indiana during Kyrie’s return. It’d be hard for the Nets to afford Bembry with all the money going to the big three + Harris next season.
As for Irving, even if he changed his mind about the vaccine now, I think the earliest he could get it would be late February/early March. He tested positive a bit before New Year’s, so he’d have to wait 60 days.
Nets are hit and miss once again. While Kyrie is super talented, his presence is still a distraction from the team.
Irving is comically stupid.
Nash sucks @ coaching like most of the past PG player coach … Chauncey, Kidd
How about Kerr, Lue, Donovan, Snyder, Rivers?
Good coaches from an other era.
A little early in their careers to call out Billups and Nash. Mash has .661 winning percentage and Billions has had a injury riddled the in his near 1/2 season.
Nets are a sh.t show against any contender so maybe Nash has to prove some accountability at coaching.
Rivers is the most overrated coach coaching in the NBA.
How can you say that. He’s the only NBA coach to lose 3 series when his team was up 3-1. And he’s lost 3 other series when his team was ahead 3-2. Do you know there are very few NBA coaches able to put their team ahead in 6 series.
link to fanspo.com
You heard it here first. Kyrie will leave this summer & nets get nothing.
This goes back to Harden trade. KD wanted it.. irving wanted rim protection. Remember kyrie took time off. Now kyrie the 3rd wheel on a super team. Not what he wanted.
This is b4 vax mandate too. Remember Irving taking time off & away from team?
Kyrie has all leverage & no team will take 35mil in assets for no commitment. Cle makes perfect sense from bball perspective & young def bigs incl Allen fit w Garland & irving.
Kyrie goes back home to team that drafted him & beats Lebron there. Kyrie will be the guy
Nets instead of getting nothing can move Harris & Irving to get Sexton Rubio G Harris R Lopez and fut 1st & 2x 2nds. Love & late 1st & 2nds go to Magic for expiring Love deal in last yr. This deal gets Nets something back instead of Irving walking for nothing.
Also can save $130mil tax bill w stretch provision on expiring deals. G Harris & R Lopez can help Nets go for titke this yr.
With KD signed for 4 yrs & Harden going to resign most likely Nets will have $ saved to get Rim protection & build a deeper bench. Having 2x stars draws free agents on the cheap. Just get FA w legs not like Lakers signing players all in mid 30s. Nets cant afford J Harris long term & w Irving situation they best to move on. Irving dictates situation where he goes & Cavs can let Sexton rights goto Bkn if they get Irving & Harris. Nets fans will hate it but Irving will walk in FA and w vax mandate in NYC. Irving has his excuse to leave.
You must be smoking crack to think the Nets give up Harris and KI this year. They want a championship and that trade will not help.
Bembry was a good soldier for Raps last season. Sure could use him as a combo guard for the 2nd unit.