Devin Harris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Devin Harris

Harris with the Nuggets in 2018
Personal information
Born	(1983-02-27) February 27, 1983 (age 42) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
High school	Wauwatosa East (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin)
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
College	Wisconsin (2001–2004)
NBA Draft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
Selected by the Washington Wizards
Pro career	2004–2019
Career history
2004–2008	Dallas Mavericks
2008–2011	New Jersey Nets
2011–2012	Utah Jazz
2012–2013	Atlanta Hawks
2013–2018	Dallas Mavericks
2018	Denver Nuggets
2018–2019	Dallas Mavericks
Career highlights and awards
NBA All-Star (2009) Consensus second-team All-American (2004) Big Ten Player of the Year (2004) Big Ten tournament MOP (2004) Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2001)
Career NBA statistics
Points	10,597 (10.8 ppg)
Rebounds	2,151 (2.2 rpg)
Assists	3,869 (3.9 apg)

Devin Lamar Harris (born February 27, 1983) is an American sports analyst and a former professional basketball player. He played for 15 seasons in the NBA. Most of his career was spent with the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets.

Harris went to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was picked fifth in the 2004 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards. In 2009, he was chosen as an NBA All-Star while playing for the Nets. After he stopped playing basketball, he became a sports analyst for Bally Sports Southwest.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Devin Harris was born and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His parents are Terry and Julie Harris. In high school, Devin was a great athlete. He played both basketball and volleyball at Wauwatosa East High School.

He played volleyball for one season. He even earned honors for his skills in that sport. But he decided to focus on basketball instead. After his second year, injuries bothered him. This made it hard for him to join summer basketball camps. These camps are important for players hoping to play in college.

In 2001, during his senior year, Harris played amazingly well. He set new scoring records for his school. His team had a perfect regular season. Devin was named Wisconsin's "Mr. Basketball" for 2001. This award goes to the best high school player in the state. He chose to play college basketball at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

In 2007, Wauwatosa East High School honored Devin. They retired his number 20 jersey. This means no other player at the school will wear that number.

College Basketball Career

Freshman Year Success

In his first year at Wisconsin (2001–02), Devin Harris was a starter. His team was not expected to do well. Many thought they would finish near the bottom of their league. But the Badgers surprised everyone. They won a share of the Big Ten Conference Championship.

Sophomore Year Breakthrough

Devin's second year was his "breakout" season. He and his teammates led the Badgers to another Big Ten Championship. Devin was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. In the NCAA tournament, his team reached the "Sweet 16." This is when only 16 teams are left in the competition.

Becoming a National Star

By his junior year (2003–04), Devin was one of the best players in the country. His coach called him a "coach on the floor." He won the Big Ten Player of the Year award. He was also named a Second Team All-American. This means he was recognized as one of the top players in college basketball. After his junior year, Devin decided to leave college early. He wanted to play in the NBA.

NBA Career Highlights

Draft Day Excitement

Before the 2004 NBA draft, a big trade was planned. The Washington Wizards had the 5th pick. They wanted to trade it to the Dallas Mavericks. On draft day, the Wizards picked Devin Harris. Then, they immediately traded him to the Mavericks. The Mavericks hoped Devin would learn from their star player, Steve Nash. But Nash left the team soon after. This meant Devin had to step up quickly.

Dallas Mavericks: First Time (2004–2008)

In his first year (rookie season), Devin scored about 5.7 points per game. He also made 2.2 assists per game. He was named the Rookie of the Month in November 2004. He was known for his incredible speed on the court.

Devin got much better in his second season (2005–06). He scored more points and handled the ball more often. He averaged 9.9 points and 3.2 assists per game. He also improved his jump shot. An injury made him miss part of that season. But he came back for the playoffs. He helped the Mavericks beat their rivals, the San Antonio Spurs. The Mavericks made it to the 2006 NBA Finals. They lost to the Miami Heat in a tough series.

In the 2006–07 season, Devin became the starting point guard. He helped the Mavericks win a team record of 67 games. But they were upset in the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors. By the middle of the 2007–08 season, Devin was playing his best. He was scoring 14.4 points and making 5.4 assists per game. He was also named a co-captain of the team.

New Jersey Nets (2008–2011)

Harris with the Nets in 2009

In February 2008, Devin was traded to the New Jersey Nets. In his first home game with the Nets, he scored 21 points. Fans chanted his name, showing their excitement. He wanted to improve his offense during the summer.

On November 7, 2008, Devin scored a career-high 38 points. Later that month, he scored 47 points against the Phoenix Suns. This was the most points he ever scored in a game. In December, he played against his old team, the Dallas Mavericks. He scored 41 points and had 13 assists. Nets fans even chanted "Thank you Cuban!" to the Mavericks' owner.

In January 2009, Devin Harris was chosen for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. This was his first and only time being an All-Star. In February 2009, he made a famous shot. It was a half-court shot at the buzzer. This shot, called "the Harris Heave," won the game for the Nets.

In 2009, Devin became the team captain. He missed many games due to shoulder and ankle injuries. He worked hard to add muscle in 2010. This was to help him avoid injuries.

Utah Jazz (2011–2012)

In February 2011, Devin was traded to the Utah Jazz. This trade involved several players and draft picks.

Atlanta Hawks (2012–2013)

In July 2012, Devin was traded again. He joined the Atlanta Hawks.

Return to Dallas (2013–2018)

Harris in 2014

In 2013, Devin Harris returned to the Dallas Mavericks. He had a toe injury that needed surgery. But the Mavericks' owner, Mark Cuban, still wanted him back. Devin signed a new contract with the team.

He played his first game of the season in January 2014. He scored 20 points in a game in March. He played very well off the bench in the playoffs that year. He scored over 17 points in three playoff games.

In July 2014, Devin signed a four-year contract with the Mavericks. He was much healthier in the 2014–15 season. He played in almost every game. He scored a season-high 21 points in April 2015. He continued to be an important player coming off the bench.

In October 2016, Devin sprained his toe. He missed the first 16 games of the 2016–17 season. He returned to play in November 2016.

Denver Nuggets (2018)

In February 2018, Devin Harris was traded to the Denver Nuggets. This was part of a three-team trade. On March 6, 2018, he reached a big milestone. He scored his 10,000th career point.

Third Time with Dallas (2018–2019)

In August 2018, Devin Harris signed with the Dallas Mavericks again. This was his third time playing for the team. He missed some games early in the season due to a hamstring injury. In November 2018, he scored a season-high 20 points. This helped the Mavericks win against the Houston Rockets.

Life After Basketball

Devin Harris now works as a sports analyst. He covers the Dallas Mavericks for MavsTV. He also works for Fox Sports, talking about college basketball.

NBA Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Fun Facts and Personal Life

Devin Harris is said to own over 400 pairs of sneakers! He learned how to dress like an NBA star from his former teammate, Keyon Dooling. Devin holds a Guinness World Record. He is the "fastest man with a basketball," running the length of the court in just 3.9 seconds. In 2009, he won the NBA's Community Assist Award. This award recognized his charity work with his foundation, "34 Ways to Assist."

Devin Harris has two children. He and his children are part of the Catholic faith.

In October 2017, Devin took a break from the Mavericks. This was to be with his family during a difficult time.

See also

In Spanish: Devin Harris para niños