Lucious Harris, a shooting guard known for his reliability and consistency, played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. Born on December 18, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Harris honed his skills at Long Beach State University, where he became a standout player. His college career set the stage for his entry into the NBA when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks as the 28th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft.
Harris began his professional career with the Mavericks, where he played for two seasons. During his time in Dallas, he demonstrated his ability to contribute off the bench, providing valuable minutes and scoring when needed. However, it was with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was traded in 1995, that Harris began to find his rhythm in the league. His tenure with the 76ers was brief, but it allowed him to further develop his skills and gain more experience on the court.
In 1997, Harris signed with the New Jersey Nets, a move that would define the majority of his NBA career. Over the next seven seasons with the Nets, Harris became a reliable role player, known for his three-point shooting and defensive capabilities. He played an integral part in the Nets' back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships in 2002 and 2003, providing depth and experience to a team led by stars like Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. Harris's ability to perform under pressure was evident during these playoff runs, where he often came off the bench to deliver crucial points and defensive stops.
Throughout his time with the Nets, Harris was appreciated for his work ethic and professionalism. He was often called upon to guard some of the league's top perimeter players, and his defensive efforts were a key component of the Nets' strategy. Offensively, Harris was known for his shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, which made him a valuable asset in spacing the floor and opening up opportunities for his teammates.
After his stint with the Nets, Harris joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2004-2005 season. Although his time with the Cavaliers was short, he continued to provide veteran leadership and experience to a young team. His presence in the locker room and on the court was valued as the Cavaliers looked to build a competitive squad around their rising star, LeBron James.
Lucious Harris retired from professional basketball following the 2004-2005 season. Over the course of his career, he played in 800 regular-season games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His contributions to the teams he played for were marked by his steady performance and ability to adapt to various roles as needed.
Harris's career in the NBA is remembered for his steady presence and ability to deliver when called upon.
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