Did Nets’ James Harden hint at Joe Harris’ return date?
If there was ever a time for Joe Harris to return for the Brooklyn Nets, it’s now. The franchise leader in made 3-pointers had surgery on his left ankle on Nov. 29 and initially, it was thought that he’d be back within 4-6 weeks.
It’s now been over eight weeks and there’s still no clear return for Harris.
On Jan. 3, Steve Nash told me the media that Harris was still a couple of weeks away from taking the court again. That was over three weeks ago.
Then, on Jan. 12, Nash said Harris’ rehab had “been trickier than we thought.”
Understandably so, Brooklyn doesn’t want to rush Harris to come back before he’s fully ready to do so. It won’t do the team any good to lose Harris again ahead of the playoffs.
Especially with Kevin Durant out and Kyrie Irving available for road games only, the Nets need Harris. Right now, the Nets have to rely on James Harden to lead them during games at Barclays Center, at least until Harris returns… after the All-Star break?
Harden just said 'Once KD and Joe get back after All Star Break' so there's your Joe Harris update. We knew about KD. But don't expect to see Joey Buckets until Feb 24. #NetsWorld
— Keith McPherson (@Keith_McPherson) January 22, 2022
Joe Harris could return for the Brooklyn Nets after the All-Star break.
Whether it was on purpose or accident, Harden gave the media a good bit of information after Brooklyn beat San Antonio on Friday night.
When Nash was asked about Harris’ potential return after the All-Star break, he didn’t commit to a date, although he did give another key update on the 30-year-old.
Steve Nash said Joe Harris is steadily doing more and more, but isn’t ready for high intensity yet. Noncommittal when asked if it looks like a return post-All Star break. #nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 23, 2022
Harris hasn’t played in a game for the Nets since he injured his ankle on Nov. 14 against Oklahoma City.
In the 14 games that he played in before he got hurt, he averaged 11.3 points and shot 45.2% from the field and 46.6% from the 3-point line.
Harris hasn’t exactly been a fan favorite. In last season’s seven-game playoff series against the Bucks, he shot 32.7% from three and 34.7% from the field for an average of 9.6 points.
He got off to a shaky start this year and was finally starting to regain his old form before he went down.
Brooklyn needs Harris back. The Nets are fourth-worst in the NBA in made 3-pointers per game at 11.1. He’s going to play an instrumental role in Brooklyn’s playoff run and he has a lot to prove after last year’s performance.
Following the All-Star break, the Nets will host the Celtics on Feb. 24. Will Harris take the court then? According to Harden, yes. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
