Dallas Mavericks: Happy Birthday wishes to Devin Harris

Dallas Mavericks veteran guard Devin Harris is celebrating his birthday on Feb. 27. Here is a look at his season and future in Dallas.

The Dallas Mavericks brought back a familiar face in the offseason. Devin Harris returned on a one-year $2.4 million deal last summer. Harris was on the Mavs last season before a deadline trade sent him to Denver. He has played parts of ten seasons in Dallas.

Today, fans should celebrate Devin Harris. He turns 36 years old on Feb. 27. The veteran is in his 15th NBA season and is a true professional. Harris is a fantastic locker room presence and a capable role player. Here is a look at his season and what the future may hold for Harris.

This season

Devin Harris has played 48 games for the Dallas Mavericks this season. He is averaging 15.0 minutes a night and producing 6.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 3-pointers made, and 0.6 steals.

Mavs fans likely remember his 20-point performance on Nov. 28 against the Rockets. Harris was the catalyst in the Mavericks blowout win by nailing five 3-pointers. He had a plus/minus of positive 29 that evening.

Since the trades went down, Harris is playing a consistent 15 minutes per game and has been a stabilizing presence off the bench for Dallas.

Future

The Mavs brought Harris back on a veteran minimum one-year deal for this season. Will they do the same this summer? Harris’ familiarity with Coach Carlisle’s system and locker room presence play in his favor. The Mavericks front office could be looking for someone capable of playing a larger role, but Harris makes for a perfect end of the bench candidate on a contending team.

Harris also provides Dallas flexibility. He will be willing to wait until after the Mavs use their cap space to sign a veteran minimum deal. That will allow the front office time to pursue the big fish in free agency before filling out their roster.

Final thoughts

Happy Birthday goes out to Devin Harris today. The veteran guard continues to be an excellent role player on his 36th birthday.

Harris could be slowing down, though. He is shooting his lowest 3-point percentage since 2010. Harris’ 15.0 minutes a night are also the fewest of his career. Questions about retirement will be prevalent until Harris signs another NBA deal. He mentioned getting more calls to coach than play last offseason and things likely only go further in that direction. Keep an eye on Devin Harris’ status at season’s end.