Scouting Report: Devin Harris

Last season, the Mavericks were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors. In order for Dallas to advance in the playoffs this season, Devin Harris will really need to improve on his game and become one of the league's top point guards.

Player Name: Devin Harris
Current Team: Dallas Mavericks
Ideal Position: PG
Drafted: 5th
Height/Weight: 6'3"/185
Birthdate: 2/27/83
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
High School: Wauwatosa East HS
College: University of Wisconsin
Agent: Henry Thomas

Contract:
2004-05 $2,741,880
2005-06 $2,947,440
2006-07 $3,153,120
2007-08 $3,995,003
2008-09 $5,297,374 (Qualifying Option)

Notes:
Named Second Team All-American in 2003-04 by AP; 2003-04 Big Ten Player of the Year; Only the second player in school history to start every game as a freshman, sophomore and junior; Broke Michael Finley's single-season scoring record with 624 points in 2003-04; Seventh leading scorer in school history; In his junior season, finished second in the Big Ten in scoring with 19.5 points per game; Named Wisconsin's "Mr. Basketball" in 2001, edging out Travis Diener.

Strengths:
Athletic; Quickness; Leaping ability; Explosive first step; Capable of taking opposing defenders off the dribble; Draws contact in the lane; Body control; Long arms; Court vision is above average and improving; Ball handling; Uses spins and crossovers well to gain separation from defender; Swift hands; Moving without the ball; Leadership skills; Decision-making; Solid passer; Unselfish mentality; Plays the passing lanes well to get steals; Work ethic; Penetration into the lane, especially when going right; Posting up smaller guards.

Weaknesses:
Upper body strength; Mid-range jumper must improve; Controlling the tempo of a game; Perimeter shooting can be inconsistent; Gambles too frequently on defense; Can get a little too carried away with shooting behind the three point line; Running an offense in a half court set; Sometimes takes ill-advised shots; Ability to create his own shot; Defensive footwork; Penetration to the basket going from right to left needs to be worked on; Mediocre rebounding guard; Finishing at the basket.

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