Evan Roberts couldn’t contain his excitement all summer until it happened – and when it finally did, he noted the Brooklyn Nets’ re-signing of Joe Harris was maybe the one move they had to make this year.
Harris joined Evan on our WFAN Brooklyn Nets Preview Show, and in an ode to the Carton & Roberts Top 5 at Five, we’ll give you a five-piece quotebook from what you heard from Joe E. Buckets – and after you get that quote fix, listen to the full segment from our on-demand audio below!
Harris on if he was close to leaving: “At the end of the day, I did do my due diligence and explored my options, but I always wanted to be back in Brooklyn. I’ve spent the majority of my career and adult life here, and this is the ideal situation. I couldn’t be happier to be back.”
Harris on reinventing his career as a Net: “I was lucky. I came into a situation where the Nets couldn’t go out and drat young players because of the Boston deal, and I was one of those guys who was unproven and got a second chance relatively young. Kenny Atkinson and the staff put a huge emphasis on player development, and it allowed me to learn through a lot of mistakes in a trial by fire. Making a mistake in Cleveland, on a title team, I’d get pulled and had to take my lumps. But I found my niche in this league, and I’m grateful I got the chance to learn and find my groove.”
Harris on Kenny Atkinson’s departure: “It was difficult. It’s one of those things where you get used to the nature of the business with turnover, but sometimes it’s difficult. But, those relationships stay intact. He played a huge part in getting us to this point right now, and we’re still in contact.”
Harris on learning from the Nets’ two playoff runs: “It’ll be different this year for sure; the last couple years we were an underdog team with nothing to lose, and still gave Philly and Toronto a run for their money. If we play how we know we can, we’re going to be on the other end of it this year – but that’s how it’s going to be this entire season, because expectations are so high. That’s what you want; we’re not shy about saying we have championship aspirations. We know what that takes, and we won’t look too far ahead and overlook anyone.”
Harris on the thought of being a sharpshooter behind two studs: “KD and Kyrie command so much attention because they’re two of the best offensive players ever. They’re so dynamic with the ball, creating for themselves and others, and I can be a beneficiary of that – and if I’m not, that means more space for them to operate. One person cannot stop them, it’s always a team effort. That allows opportunities for all of us.”
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