Devin Harris will be a game-time decision tonight when the 4-42 Nets host the Pistons. If yesterday was any indication, Nets fans can expect to see the point guard in uniform for the first time since aggravating his sprained right wrist on Jan. 22.
Harris played a casual game of one-on-one with a Nets trainer after practice and appeared to be enjoying himself, which is a good sign.
His wrist was taped, but he shot the ball well from all over the court, and he remained behind to shoot free throws after the rest of the team left the floor for the film room.
“Better than it felt [Sunday],” Harris said between free throws. When he was done shooting he added, “I’ll see how it reacts [today], but it’s a good possibility [I’ll play].”
Interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe said he is not sure if Harris will dress.
“He’s definitely feeling better,” Vandeweghe said. “Definitely not a hundred percent, so it’s a judgment call.”
For the 15 minutes of practice open to reporters, Harris did not appear to be in any pain. He didn’t grimace when launching shots from downtown, nor did he shake out or flex his wrist the way athletes often do when feeling discomfort.
“I’m very anxious,” Harris said. “Especially after the last couple games, the amount of points we lost by. It’s hard to watch over there [on the bench].”
The Nets are coming off an 83-79 loss to the 76ers on Sunday, a game in which the Nets were outscored in transition 25-2.
“Offensively and defensively, we haven’t pushed the ball as much as I think we could,” Harris said. “But those are things I can affect myself, especially on the offensive end, pushing the tempo a little bit.”
Vandweghe gave another reason for the Nets’ poor performance in transition.
“That’s effort. Period,” he said. “That is effort to run back and that’s where your defense starts. We gotta have five guys [get back], and whoever gets back first in transition has to protect the basket.”
The Nets have improved their overall defense recently. They allowed an average of just 83.7 points over the past three games. Although their opponents were the Clippers, Wizards and 76ers, that was a dramatic improvement over the 111.3 points allowed the Nets averaged during the previous nine games.