Returning or Moving On? – Mike Harris

The NBA Development League's Most Valuable Player, Mike Harris had an incredible season, among the leaders in scoring, rebounding and shooting. He earned three GATORADE Call-Ups and was the leader both on and off the court. Harris was a huge part of the community and a fan favorite.

I was buying some blank DVDs on Friday while wearing a Vipers polo. The guy at the counter started going on about how much he loves Mike Harris and what a great player he is. When I told him Harris is a good person too, he reacted in utter awe that I know Mike Harris. The woman at the register next to him started going on about how great the Vipers and Harris are too.

Don't tell me fans don't know who the players are.

I've written at length many times about Harris' credentials, and if you're reading this blog, there's a pretty good chance that you know them too.

Harris was recruited by the Rockets to play for the Vipers during Autumn. Harris came because he thought this might be his last/best chance to make it to the NBA. Harris played for the Rockets for 17 games in 2008 and three in the playoffs. He didn't make out the team out of Training Camp and had been overseas since.

This year Harris earned three GATORADE Call-Ups, two to the Rockets and one to the Wizards. Mysteriously, Washington didn't give Harris playing time, although they were more than willing to give plenty to Austin's Alonzo Gee right after letting Harris go.

Harris held his own in his final stint with the Rockets and I know their brass wants him to succeed, but can he fit into the Rockets plans? Considering they run all the same stuff as the Vipers, I see no reason why not. If one person says anything about Harris only being 6-6 I might explode.

It's true, Harris is more of a scorer than a defender, and you have to do both in the NBA.

So what does his future hold?

Well, we do know that Harris is going to Training Camp with the Rockets, but his contract for next season is not guaranteed, so he can be cut without any financial penalty.

If he is cut, Harris can then choose to come back to the Vipers (he really enjoyed his time in Rio Grande Valley), giving him a great chance of getting back to the Rockets or just the NBA in general, or he can go for the money overseas (which my guess is he's already earned a fair amount of). It is interesting to note that Harris has a house in the Houston area and a lot of family outside Dallas. So where will he go?

Well, the thought here is that Harris won't have to make that decision. I think he's going to make the Rockets and stick. I think Harris will show the ability to be a solid cog in the wheel in addition to being a good teammate and a big part of the community.