[外電] Harris ready to lead the Nets
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
BY AL IANNAZZONE THE RECORD STAFF WRITER
MINNEAPOLIS — Devin Harris was not happy when Vince Carter was traded to
Orlando, but after the Nets’ point guard’s anger subsided he realized he
was getting his wish.
The Nets' Devin Harris: “I’m not perfect. I’m pretty sure I’m going to
have some nights when I blow up, but I’m going to try and be the most
consistent that I can.”
When the Nets open the season tonight against the Timberwolves there is no
mistaking whose team it is.
There also is no mistaking who will receive much of the praise if the Nets
win and who will shoulder the load when they struggle.
“I like that,” Harris said. “I want that. I want it.”
How Harris, 26, handles it is one of the biggest questions of the Nets’
season.
They likely won’t be a playoff team, so it will be incumbent upon Harris to
keep this group — featuring five regulars with fewer than three years of NBA
experience and eight players who could be free agents in July — together,
focused and committed.
He has the right attitude. Harris, a first-time All-Star last season with
averages of 21.3 points and 6.9 assists, said he isn’t as concerned with
statistics as winning and proving one thing.
“That I can lead a team,” Harris said. “I’ve done the individuals. I’ve
been an All-Star. I’ve been in consideration for most improved. That’s all
great. But leading this group of guys when they say we’re going to finish
anywhere from 21-to-30 [wins] to do better than people expected us to do.”
Harris has tried to talk more in practice. But he missed more than a week and
three preseason games because of injury. Because he couldn’t do much, Harris
gave some pointers. Now that he’s healthy he’s able to lead with his words
and actions again.
The Nets’ last two captains led in different ways.
Jason Kidd wasn’t vocal. He led with his play, but losing ate at him. He
eventually alienated teammates and forced his way out of town.
Carter led by example, but always was upbeat, even when the Nets lost and
constantly encouraged and tried to motivate teammates.
Harris may be somewhere between the two. He doesn’t have Kidd’s moodiness
yet can’t let go of things as easily as Carter.
“You never quite know until you see,” coach Lawrence Frank said. “I couldn
’t have predicted that Vince would have taken such an ownership and
leadership role as he did. Opportunity, you never know what can grow from it.
Devin’s definitely capable of it.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity for him. Not many times as a 26-year-old
do you get a chance to lead.”
Harris admits he keeps things inside too much, causing him to “implode.”
Last season, he and Frank had differences, often about Harris’ defense. It
led to a second-half benching against Boston that Harris stewed over for days.
He and Frank understand each other better now, and Harris knows any stewing
would be counterproductive in his new role.
“I don’t quote Lawrence much,” Harris said, “but the big thing that he
says and it makes sense is ‘it’s the hardest thing to be the same person
every day.’ You just lost by 30 the night before, maybe my offense isn’t
going the way I want it go but I have to be that same guy for those guys. That
’s what they have to see from me.
“I’m not perfect. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have some nights when I
blow up, but I’m going to try and be the most consistent that I can.”
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◆ From: 114.43.226.18
※ 編輯: NetsFan 來自: 114.43.226.18 (10/28 18:49)
※ 編輯: NetsFan 來自: 114.43.226.18 (10/28 18:49)
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※ SKnight:轉錄至看板 DevinHarris 10/29 04:03