When Devin Harris was traded to the Nets last season, many fans were in a state of shock. Sure, Jason Kidd and the organization were having their problems, but many were hoping that they would eventually be worked out. When they weren’t and Harris was brought in, no one knew what to expect. They knew the kid had talent, but they also knew he’d been in the shadows in Dallas for a few seasons.

Could he rise above it all and be the player the team needed?

Right away, Harris brought an intensity to the team and averaged 15.4 points the rest of the season, giving many fans and the organization hope that he could not only replace Kidd, but could also be a leader. Scoring only 37 points through his first three games this season, the pundits out there were already accusing Harris of not being able to lead on offense. What occurred afterwards was something that no one expected, as Harris rattled off six 30-point games in the next 10 games he plated. Again, the pundits had their voices heard, as they believed Harris’ stats had more to do with Vince Carter being the real leader on the Nets offense, which of course had made “The Blur,” as he is often called by Nets play by play guy Ian Eagle, the recipient of way too many open looks. Those same pundits also felt that Harris would return to the role player numbers he had in Dallas as the season progressed and Carter would again be the main offensive focal point on the team.

Wrong.

While he has cooled off considerably in January, the entire Nets team hasn’t been on their best behavior as well, playing sub-par second half basketball as a whole. That also shows that Harris’ contributions this season have played an instrumental part in the team’s success. When Harris is off his game, the Nets feel it and so does Carter. When you think of what an All-Star is supposed to mean to his team, you really can’t ask for more.

There’s also the question as to how much of a role has Carter played played in Harris’ success. While it is absolutely unconscionable to say that Carter scoring 20 points a night hasn’t played a role in Harris’ play this season, you can’t have two All-Stars on a sub.500 team. If the Nets were over .500 however, I think the possibility of seeing the both of them there would have been much higher. But the way the coaches see it and the way many other people see it, Harris has been the better player.

That’s why he’s the All-Star.

When you also consider the fact that Jason Kidd is obviously not having the season that he’d like to be having this year and Harris is, his value to the team is at an all-time high right now.

He deserves it.

Photo by Bill Menzel.