Nets notes: Devin Harris here to stay
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Record
Harris here to stay
Devin Harris nearly was traded in a four-team deal for Carmelo Anthony in September. Now coach Avery Johnson says Harris is a part of the Nets’ future.
Johnson has said a major objective this season is developing rookie Derrick Favors, who remains the centerpiece in a deal for Anthony. The Nets are trying to get Anthony without including Harris.
"What we’re telling Devin is if we can continue to develop the players that we have and somewhere in the future we get fortunate with a free agent or whatever situation that comes up, we’ll be a much better team," Johnson said. "We’re telling Devin the more we can develop, the more he can help our players get better."
More Murphy
Activated for the first time in seven games, Troy Murphy was 2-for-2 with four points and three assists in 10 first-half minutes.
"It feels good to get out there," Murphy said. "I’m happy we won."
Murphy was brought in to be the starting power forward and grew frustrated with his lack of playing time after a series of injuries. Johnson said minutes are tight behind Kris Humphries and Favors, but liked how Murphy played and likely will use him more.
"Murph was good; Murph was strong" Johnson said. "I thought he made a couple of strong moves to the basket, spaced the floor for us. … I thought when he was in there he looked totally different than he did early on [this season]."
It’s unlikely Murphy’s trade value has been damaged. Murphy, who also is in the discussions for Anthony, is a proven player and his value is in his expiring contract.
Williams arrives
Terrence Williams reported Sunday to the Springfield Armor and will play in their next game Thursday. The Nets sent him down to the Developmental League on Friday.
— Al Iannazzone
IMO, Harris is staying as long as a PG of the likes of CP3/D.Will isn't on the market. The notion that he's here to stay is ridiculous. Avery did not say anything about "We're not trading Devin" or "He's our centerpiece." Don't get me wrong, Devin is good but Avery knows that IF he has the opportunity to get a superstar PG, Harris will be out of here so quick, you will forget he ever played for the Nets. Now, will the day that a superstar PG comes to NJ ever arrive? That's an entirely different matter...
The main reason why I didn't mind seeing Murphy on the inactive list is because I know the more he plays (and the more we win), the more likely we won't get a good draft pick later on. I know that Avery and Murphy had some rift so I don't agree that it was solely an injury-related problem as Avery suggests. Good try though, little general, good try...
