Harris is getting into swing of his shooter role
Jo e Harri s knows hi s role. And so far, he is playing it well.
“My job is to come off of screens, to shoot the ball,” the Nets swingman said after practice Wednesday. “And if I don’t shoot the ball, I usually come out.
“So I’m really just trying to focus on doing my part for the team. I’m not trying to do anything that I know that I can’t. Like I’m not trying to handle the ball a whole lot, facilitate, do anything like that. I’m just trying to go out there and help create space for the guys that we have that are our primary ball-handlers and the guys that can facilitate.”
According to Harris, coach Kenny Atkinson constantly reiterates to his players what is expected of each of them.
“I think your confidence just goes up when you know your role and it’ s solidified ,” said the 26- year-old, who has appeared in every game since the opener.
Coming off the bench against the Celtic son Tuesday, Harris led the Nets with a career-hightying 19 points, including five 3-pointers.
He has reached doublef igures seven times this season and is averaging 9.6 points on 39 percent shooting from behind the arc. One of the goals he set in the offseason was to shoot 40 percent or better for the season.
“He’s starting to figure out where he can get his shots,” Atkinson said, stressing that Harris’ knowledge of the system is stronger given that he was with the team last season.
“Continuity is huge in development. I’m sure his comfort level is a lot better.”
No more clarity was provided on Wednesday regarding D’Angelo Russell’s status, after the point guard suffered a left knee contusion over the weekend.
“Nothing new to add,” Atkinson said. “No update. Daily evaluation. That’s where we are right now.”
Asked if there was any way to characterize whether the issue will be shortor l ong- te r m, Atki ns on replied, “I don’t want to go there.”
According to the YES Network, Tuesday night’s game versus the Celtics was the most-viewed and highest-rated Nets telecast on the network in three years.