2. Joe Harris
The Nets could’ve let Harris go in free agency, but they chose to bring him back on a four-year contract because they value what he brings to the team on both sides of the floor. Harris’ 14.8 points per game are right on par with what he’s been averaging over the last few years, but his efficiency has taken a leap after the Harden deal.
Harris is making 52% of his shots since the Harden trade, all the while hitting almost 49% of his 3-point attempts despite attempting just under eight per game. When one of their three stars has an off night, Harris can be relied on to nail a few shots from deep and get the offense back on the right track.
Joe Harris is showing he’s one of the best shooters in the game.
A former 3-point shootout champion and league leader in 3-point percentage, Harris’ abilities from beyond the arc are well-known around the league. However, Harris is starting to show that he’s a complete offensive player that can create his own shot, a skill that has been accentuated by Harden taking some of the pressure off of him.
Harris might not be the greatest defender in the world, but his shooting is by no means redundant just because of the stars he’s playing alongside. Without a reliable fourth option like Harris on this team, Brooklyn’s championship potential would shrink noticeably.