Devin Harris

Overview:Scoring lead guard who blossomed into one of the league’s more prolific offensive options after moving from Dallas to New Jersey. Has ideal physical tools for the point guard position, including very good size at 6-3, a 6-7 ½ wingspan, and outstanding athleticism. One of the quickest end to end players in the NBA, possesses a fantastic first step and an extra gear that allows him to get almost anywhere he wants on the floor. Gets to the free throw line like a machine and is excellent at creating his own shot. Still has plenty of room to round out his game, can get stronger, improve his jump-shot and work on his defense and decision making skills. Not always as much of a leader as you might hope for considering his position. Former top-5 draft pick who played a major role right off the bat for Bo Ryan at Wisconsin, slowly rounding out his point guard skills in the Swing Offense. Traded on draft night to Dallas in exchange for Antawn Jamison by the Washington Wizards. Played steady rotation minutes for a championship contending team right away, but didn’t break out into the borderline all-star he is now until he was moved to New Jersey in the Jason Kidd trade.

Offense: A big-time scorer and major talent who has shown that he can carry a team as a primary option, even if he has some noticeable holes to his game that he must continue to address. Gets a huge amount of his offense (45%) in pick and roll situations, with considerable other chunks coming off isolations and in transition, where he truly excels. Quickness and explosiveness make him incredibly difficult to stay in front of, and does a great job using that to get to the basket and finish in traffic. Can create shots going either direction, gets to the free throw line at an outstanding rate and converts 82% of his attempts once there. Finishes extremely well around the rim, but could even get better by adding some more strength to his upper body. Racks up tons of assists at the point guard spot, partially due to how heavily he’s relied on as a ball-handler and shot-creator in New Jersey’s offense. Unselfish player who does a good job driving and dishing and making post-entry passes, particularly off the pick and roll, but doesn’t possess what you would call brilliant court vision or playmaking instincts. Turns the ball over at a somewhat high rate, but this is to be expected considering his role and extremely aggressive style of play. Could still do a better job with his decision making skills, tends to force the issue at times over-penetrating, making tough passes or trying to split double teams. Perimeter shooting is his main Achilles heel—teams regularly go underneath screens and dare him to take open jumpers, and he’s yet to show that he can consistently punish them, even from 17 feet out. Extremely shaky on the catch and shoot, not consistent at all with his feet set from NBA 3-point range, even when left open. Better shooting off the dribble, has a very fluid pull-up jumper which is becoming more and more effective as of late, but is also prone to streakiness. Shot-selection is questionable at times.

Defense: Has all the physical tools to be an outstanding defender, including good size, long arms and excellent lateral quickness. Showed in the past that he can lock down his man when called upon in a more limited role, but has gone away from that in New Jersey as his offensive responsibilities increased. Seems to get out of his stance quickly and not fight all that hard getting through screens, effort is spotty depending on the situation. A major target for post-up plays, gives up position too easily, as he seems to lack the strength and toughness to fight back and hold his ground. Great length and anticipation skills getting in the passing lanes, comes up with plenty of steals every game. May revert back to being a better defender in time as the competition level around him in New Jersey increases.