PrintLiving the Dream
Mike Harris relishing his big opportunity with the Rockets
Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON - I've never seen a basketball player smile as much as Mike Harris does when he's out on the court.
He smiles after makes. He smiles after misses. But don't mistake that eye-popping grin for indifference - Harris works, hustles and grinds as hard as anyone. That smile is simply the end result of a man doing what he loves and living his dream.
"Of course this is a business, but you also don’t want to go into it stressed out," says Harris. "You only live life once and while some people are fortunate to stay in this league for a long time, a lot aren’t. I don’t want to be one of those guys who is here and takes it for granted. I appreciate the opportunity that I’m getting and I’m very grateful.
"I’ve always been a happy person. There’s moments when, you know, you need to suck it up and have a bit of a mean streak, but you’ve also gotta love it and enjoy the moment – and that’s what I’ve been doing every single day I’ve been out here."
Harris spent the summer busting his tail in the gym to ensure his dream job doesn't come to an end anytime soon. His number one priority: Improving his long range jumper. The results look good so far.
"He has shot the ball very well all summer, and he’s shot well in camp, too," says coach Rick Adelman. "He’s a great guy to have around because he can play the three, he can play the four and he has worked his tail off. He’s a much better player today than he was last year."
Harris entered camp knowing he was in for a dogfight to make the Rockets' roster. Nothing is guaranteed to him and he knows that. But his improvement is so readily apparent that it looks like it's going to be extremely difficult to keep him off the squad.
"We all like him," says Adelman. "You can never say for sure, but we really like him and think that he’s done what he’s had to do, now it’s just a matter of watching him play in exhibition games and seeing where we are."
Is the Rice product feeling any butterflies knowing that his Rockets' fate will be decided over the course of the next month?
"At first there used to be," says Harris. "During summer league, there were things that I knew I had to work on. But since I’ve been doing this stuff the entire summer, I feel like I’ve done the work and put in the time so I don’t even think about it.
"Coming out here, one thing all the veteran players have told me is to just play and show that you’re out there. You don’t want to be one of those players that’s out there and it looks like it’s five-on-four. So now being able to make the open jump shot and things like that – you gotta earn respect – and now that I can actually do those things more consistently, it helps me out a lot, and it just brings another part to my game which allows me not to be nervous.
"I think things are going pretty well. I’m starting to feel like I’m earning it – that I belong here and fit in. I can make the open shot now, so I’m loving this."
It shows. Just check out the smile.
And 1's: Coach Adelman has made a point of singling out the play of Luther Head every day since training camp began. Today's take: "He came into camp in great shape and he's played well every day. He just runs all day long and he's got a lot of weapons. He can shoot it, he can run the floor, he cuts well and I'm really pleased with the way he's played. I think we have enough flexibility in our roster that we can find a place for him."
As part of the Rockets' long-term plan to keep Yao Ming fresh, he took Thursday off due to some muscle soreness. So did he notice a difference out on the court today? "I think one day is a little too early to say. I'm not saying I need more days off (laughs). But one day is probably too early to say. I have a big picture - I want to see over the season how it will work. My goal is to finish 82 games and then the playoffs. I need myself fresh in March and April... and hopefully May and June as well."
Have a question for Rockets.com? Send it to Jason Friedman via email at: jasonf@rocketball.com.
