Mavericks’ Harris wishes Jordan would have been more mature with decision

No one needs to remind guard Devin Harris how damaging losing center DeAndre Jordan was to the Dallas Mavericks.

While the Mavs were busy courting Jordan during free agency last month, center Tyson Chandler — the backbone and emotional leader of the Mavs last season and in their 2011 championship season — pulled up stakes and agreed to a four-year, $52 million free agent contract with the Phoenix Suns. But two days later, the Mavs finally got their man in Jordan.

Or, so they thought.

Jordan agreed to sign a four-year contract with the Mavs on July 3. But by the time July 8 rolled around, Jordan reneged on that agreement in dramatic fashion and instead decided to continue his career with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The fact that Jordan didn’t telephone, text or return phone calls or text messages to owner Mark Cuban to inform him of his decision didn’t sit well with Mavs followers. And Harris, who spoke Tuesday afternoon at the Mavs Foundation Court Dedication in South Oak Cliff, added his voice to those who said that Jordan should have handled his business in a businesslike manner.

“Nothing really catches me by surprise,” Harris said. “It was just a thing of the summer with [Jordan].

With no Jordan or Chandler to patrol the middle, the Mavs moved forward and obtained centers Zaza Pachulia, Samuel Dalembert and Salah Mejri. Not exactly a who’s who of rim protectors, but that was the best the Mavs could do after being unceremoniously snubbed at the 11th hour by Jordan.

The gaping hole in the middle puts additional defensive pressure on the Mavs’ new starting backcourt duo of point guard Deron Williams and shooting guard Wesley Matthews.

“I know there were times where we struggled last year,” said Harris, normally the first guard off the bench. “I imagine we’ll be switching a lot more with like sizes to kind of cover up some of the [defensive] holes that we had.

“It’s going to be a little bit more challenging because we don’t have that rim protector that we once had in Tyson. But I think it’s going to be more of a collective effort and I think we’ll be better for it.”

How much better remains to be seen.

“We’ll have to be better collectively as guards keeping guys out of the paint,” Harris said. “I know in talking to [new lead assistant coach] Melvin [Hunt] and the guys who are in control of the defense, we’re looking at ways to cover up the holes and keep guys out.”

“I would consider the backcourt crowded,” Harris said. “I don’t know how much of a role change I’m going to have.

“I think I’ll probably be playing mostly off the ball with J.J. coming back and with Deron coming in, but we’ll see what happens throughout training camp.”

“I am ready for Rick to put me wherever he sees fit to put me,’’ Harris said. “If that means starting, that’s fine.

“But I know he really likes me coming off the bench, but we haven’t really had that conversation. We’ve got a lot new players that can fit into what we do and we’ll see how it plays out.”

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 8:43 PM with the headline "Mavericks’ Harris wishes Jordan would have been more mature with decision."