D. Harris embracing chance at playoff run

PHOENIX» Devin Harris arrived at the Nuggets’ team hotel for Saturday’s morning breakfast meeting and walkthrough, followed by a crash course in the team’s terminology with assistant coaches Wes Unseld Jr. and Micah Nori.

Saturday night, the veteran point guard was thrust into his Nuggets debut after being dealt from Dallas to Denver at Thursday’s trade deadline.

Harris acknowledged the initial moments in his new uniform might be challenging. But he’s embracing the opportunity to join the Nuggets’ playoff push for their final 26 games.

“I don’t want to be playing golf right now,” Harris said outside the Nuggets’ locker room at Talking Stick Resort Arena before Saturday’s game at the Suns. “I’d rather be playing meaningful basketball.”

Harris described life since Thursday as “a little crazy.” He was with the Mavericks for a game at Golden State when he was notified he had been traded. He then said his emotional goodbyes to members of the franchise with which he has spent the bulk of his 14-year career. He made a short stop in Dallas to reset himself before joining the Nuggets here.

Harris, who averaged 8.5 points and 1.9 assists in 18.3 minutes over 44 games entering Saturday, said he feels comfortable playing both point guard and off the ball alongside Jamal Murray. Nuggets coach Michael Malone has raved about Harris’ burst of quickness “to just blow by a guy” and attack the basket.

“I’m not as fast as I used to be,” the 34-year-old Harris said with a grin. “But I use my speed when I need it. It’s always in my back pocket.”

Harris’ 64 career playoff games also make him a valuable resource to help Denver’s young core “get on the same page” and understand the importance of each game during the stretch run. Harris called the backcourt tandem of Murray and Gary Harris “great, up-andcoming players” and praised big man Nikola Jokic’s ability to pass and rebound.

Malone vowed to keep it simple as Devin Harris works his way into playing time. He and the Nuggets trust an increased comfort will arrive naturally.

And they hope Harris will be spending mid-april in the playoffs, rather than on the golf course.

“He didn’t come here to sit on the bench and watch somebody else play,” Malone said. “I think he’s going to be able to fit in right away.”