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The Harris Affect
Posted by: Randall 'Sagg' Harris on February 28th, 2011
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.Already I can feel the pressure release from the Jazz locker room.
You see, it gets so simple for a fan. Was it a W or an L?
But the NBA life is far more complicated for the NBA player. Rumors, Chemistry, Communication, Training, Remembering…so much that the average and even avid fan looks right past.
And yes, it is possible to be at ease and having fun on a bad team, which the Jazz are not (sitting only a half game out of the Playoff hunt currently), just look at the Warriors and the Raptors play so loose.
There is more to this game than simple wins or loses. And Deron Williams could never see that (I am sure a large dose of L’s will accustom him very quickly in Jersey) there were no moral victories just loses and players not committing to HIS system.
Now on the other hand I would like to (only after 2 games) examine the Harris affect.
When in the 5th spot in the West earlier this year Deron (our leader) commented on the Jazz possibly missing the playoffs. This is after our ‘comeback kids’ moniker and all the excitement that was this young season. After one tough loss, our leader spoke of the doom of this team. How could that not affect the entire locker room? When your star is moping around and talking about how bad we all are.
In stark contrast, Devin Harris’ comments when he joined the team in Indiana were uplifting and even inspiring.
He said he was here to ensure we do make it to the playoffs. And the Harris affect, in that one comment, started.
Notice after a blown pass or a broken play how instead of tantrums (like a former player would use) notice how Harris tries to communicate with his players.
It’s pretty unimportant just WHO blew the play, because its already over, let’s focus on how we will run it next time and what both of us can do different to make the play work.
I remember seeing DWill sit quiet on the bench, like the lone general, knowing that HE was the only one smart enough or talented enough to save the sinking ship…and quietly, with a chip on his shoulder, usually failing…then blaming everyone else.
When Devin Harris is on the bench I see him talking to team mates and asking coaches questions. With the understanding that a true leader communicates.
Now I wont go so far as to say that Devin Harris will ever or has ever been as great of a raw player as Deron Williams is capable of being. But sometimes your band’s music doesn’t call for Eddie Van Halen solos especially when you’re playing sweet bluesy-funky Jazz.
Deron Williams is a great point guard but Devin Harris is a great point guard for the Jazz Organization.
Just remember, we replaced a guy who seemed like he wanted out with a guy who is excited as hell to be here.
Good things are on the horizon Jazz Nation!
Replies: 6
Views: 665
6 Responses
I like this post.. Great job. It was said over and over that Deron was Carrying his team. There is no need to carry a team that is led in the correct manner. Deron is an Awesome PG, but you can be the best player in the world and your team will still lose if you cannot play well with others. His Position was leader of the team, and though he is one of the best at his position, he failed as a leader.
In other posts its already been noticed that AK is playing better. The team is playing with chemistry. Even though others say they look a little lost, thats going to fix itself as our new players and rookies gain experience and learn the system.
Its still early, maybe too early to say the team will or will not be better off. Even being early, its plain to see that there is a difference on the court. Harris may not be the better PG when compairing raw talent and recent stats, but in the short time that he has been here the effort and desire that he has shown for the team to improve as a whole is plain to see. If what we see is just the tip of things to come, we have much to cheer about.
Although I will miss seeing our All Star play (Deron), I will not miss the small tantrums and stairs that he gave when he was unhappy that someone missed a play. I am sure our rookies wont miss the extra hard pass, while someone was showing his disaproval of his rookie play. I will not miss the dark cloud in the locker room that appeared each time our team carrying leader had an interview after a loss. No more egg shells to walk across.
I think overall its a breath of fresh air. You can see that the team as a whole can seem to breath again. Its been a while since we have seen the team excell as a team. 6 players in double digits. We have a long road ahead of us, but I think that this team can do it together under the Harris Affect. Tonight is the first big test. Just remember that its still early, they are young and new, and it will take some time. But I will say they are a lot of fun to watch again.
Thanks for the post Randall. Thank you Harris for the Harris Affect. Thank you Jazz, for playing again as a team.
This was a great post and I’m so glad someone else wrote it. LOL
I’ve said all seasont hat Deron plays like it isn’t fun unless it’s perfect. The point is that it’s all fun. The rest gets figured out through communication.
I love Harris. I know that Deron was close with a lot of guys on the team and that they all respected his abilities, but the rumor has been there all season that the leadership was toxic. Now we get to see if it’s true.
I’m still thinking about going to the game …
I’m on board this wagon. Strike up the band.
Yep, leadership is not dictatorship, one thing Deron had forget, even sometimes the Leader have to use the big voice, he need too to be supportive, open to discussion, and i think Harris can be that player, don’t forget he learned from one of the best, J-Kidd……..
Or not, what i was thinking, Avery the little general, not kidd, my bad….
Love the post. Great Job.