Gary Harris, a prominent American professional basketball player, has made his mark in the NBA, showcasing his skills with the Orlando Magic. As a shooting guard, his journey in the league is not only defined by on-court prowess but also by a deep-rooted passion inherited from his mother, a former WNBA player. Let’s delve into various facets of Gary Harris’s life, from his early years and family to his collegiate achievements, NBA career, net worth, and ventures beyond the basketball court.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Gary Harris
Date of Birth	September 14, 1994
Age	30 years old
Birth Place	Fishers, Indiana
Nationality	American
Religion	Christianity
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Chinese zodiac	Dog
Height	6 feet 4 inches/ 1.93 m/ 193 cm
Weight	95 kg/ 210 lbs
High School	Hamilton Southeastern
University	Michigan State University
Father’s Name	Gary Harris Sr.
Mother’s Name	Joy Holmes
Tattoos	Yes
Girlfriend	N/A
Children	One
Profession	Basketball player
League	NBA
Position	Shooting Guard
Current Team	Orlando Magic
Jersey Number	14
NBA Draft	Round: 1, Pick: 19th overall, 2014 (Selected by the Chicago Bulls)
Playing Career	2014-present
Net Worth	$20 Million
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Signed Card
Last Update	December 2023

Gary Harris  Early Life and Family

Born and raised on September 14, 1994, in Fishers, Indiana, Gary Harris emerged as the eldest of three siblings in the Harris family. His parents, Joy Harris (nee Holmes) and Gary Harris Sr. have been married since April 23, 1994. The NBA star has two younger brothers, Cameron and Trey Harris.

The basketball flame that burns within Gary originates in his mother, Joy, a former WNBA player for the Detroit Shock in 2000. Joy’s legacy extends beyond her playing career, transitioning into coaching roles at various institutions. Currently working as a real estate agent, she played a pivotal role in shaping Gary’s journey to becoming an NBA professional.

Family Influence and Background

Joy Harris, Gary’s mother, emerged as a standout player during her high school years at Mansfield Senior High School, averaging an impressive 20 points per game. Her collegiate journey at Purdue University from 1988 to 1991 further solidified her basketball prowess, earning her the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year title in her senior year.

In 2016, Joy was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, adding another layer to her distinguished basketball career. Beyond her achievements, she played a crucial role in mentoring and training her son, Gary, molding him into the NBA star he is today. Gary’s father, Gary Harris Sr., supported Joy’s basketball endeavors and encouraged their son, initially thinking Gary might excel in football.

High School Career

Gary Harris’s journey to basketball stardom began at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana. As a sophomore in the 2009–10 season, Harris made an immediate impact, scoring 14 pts, four rebs, two assists, and three steals per game, leading Hamilton SE to a 17–4 record. His junior year saw a significant rise in his performance, as he scored 18.6 pts, five rebounds, three assists, and 2.7 steals per match, guiding the Royals to a 20–4 record and a trip to the Class 4A regional finals—a remarkable achievement for the school.

In his senior year, Harris reached the pinnacle of his high school career, posting impressive stats of 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 4.0 steals per game. This stellar performance led the Royals to a 22–3 record and a spot in the Class 4A sectional final. Harris finished his high school career with a school record of 1,540 points, leaving an indelible mark on Hamilton Southeastern High School’s basketball history.

Notably, Harris wasn’t just a basketball phenom; he also excelled on the football field, playing wide receiver and contributing to three league championships, including a sectional title in his senior year.

College Career

Gary Harris’s basketball prowess continued to shine when he committed to playing for Michigan State University. As a freshman in the 2012–13 season, Harris wasted no time making an impact, earning the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Year—the first Spartan to receive the honor since 1986. Additionally, he garnered second-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.

His sophomore season in 2013–14 was even more remarkable, earning first-team All-Big Ten, All-Big Ten Defensive Team, USBWA All-District, and NABC All-District honors. Harris showcased his skills with a career-high 27 points against Michigan and an average of 16.7 pts, 4.0 rebs, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per match.

After a standout college career, Harris declared for the NBA draft in April 2014, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.

Professional Career 

 Denver Nuggets (2014–2021)

Drafted as the 19th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, Gary Harris found himself on a different trajectory when he was later traded to the Denver Nuggets. Solidifying his commitment to the professional arena, Harris officially signed his rookie-scale contract in July 2014, showcasing his potential after an impressive performance in the Summer League.

 

Despite encountering early challenges, including missing the first seven matches of the 2014–15 season due to a back injury, Harris demonstrated resilience. His NBA debut was a standout moment, as he contributed 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in a victorious game against the Indiana Pacers. This inaugural performance highlighted Harris’s skills on the court and hinted at the promising career that awaited him with the Denver Nuggets.

Harris showcased his scoring ability and defensive prowess throughout his tenure with the Nuggets. He secured the starting shooting guard spot for the 2015–16 season and continued to make significant contributions, including multiple 20+ point games. In the 2016 off-season, Harris was selected to the USA Men’s Select Team, highlighting his standing in the league.

In October 2017, Harris signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Nuggets, affirming his importance to the team. Despite facing various injuries, including a right hip injury and hamstring tightness, Harris consistently demonstrated resilience and skill on the court.

Orlando Magic (2021–present)

On March 25, 2021, Harris was part of a trade that sent him, along with R. J. Hampton and a future first-round pick, to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Gary Clark and Aaron Gordon. His transition to the Magic marked a new chapter in his career.

In June 2022, Harris signed a two-year, $26 million contract extension with the Magic, indicating the team’s confidence in his abilities. However, his journey with the Magic faced a hurdle when he underwent surgery on August 27, 2022, to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Additionally, on December 29, 2023, Harris received a one-game suspension from the NBA for coming off the bench during an altercation against the Detroit Pistons.

Awards and Honors

Gary Harris has accumulated remarkable awards and honors throughout his basketball career. He earned the 2012 Indiana Mr. Basketball title in high school and was selected for the 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game. He was named the 2012 Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year and received multiple recognitions, including being a first-team Parade All-American.

His achievements continued in college, where he secured the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and earned All-Big Ten honors. As a professional, Harris’s contributions were acknowledged with a lucrative contract extension in 2017, underlining his significance to the Denver Nuggets.

Physical Attributes

Beyond the basketball court, Gary Harris’s life is marked by diverse interests and entrepreneurial ventures. Born in 1994, he is 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs 95 kg, and exhibits distinctive features such as brown eyes and braided black hair. Tattoos adorn his body, including symbols of faith and nods to pop culture.

Contract and Net Worth

Gary’s net worth, estimated at $20 million as of December 2023, reflects his successful NBA career. Earning $93.647 million over nine NBA seasons, his financial portfolio is notable. His journey began with the Chicago Bulls in the 2015 NBA Draft before being traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he secured an $84 million contract extension in 2017. A subsequent move to Orlando Magic led to a two-year extension, committing him to the 2023-24 season with a salary of $13 million per year.

His financial acumen extends to real estate investments, with a notable acquisition of a condo in downtown Denver. Additionally, Gary has diversified his portfolio by investing in start-ups, participating in funding rounds for ventures like Ballogy Inc., and joining the Swiftarc Ventures Labs Fund alongside fellow athletes.

Fatherhood and Personal Life

Gary Harris, at 30, is not just a basketball star but a father to a son named Hendrix, born on January 28, 2020. The NBA player briefly took time off from his team during the 2019-20 season to celebrate the birth of his son.

While Gary tends to keep his personal life private, glimpses of his family life can be seen through social media, particularly on his mother’s Instagram account (@jharris40). Despite his fame, details about Gary’s current relationship status, whether married or dating, remain undisclosed.

 Interesting Facts

Gary Harris’s journey transcends the boundaries of the basketball court, reflecting a tapestry woven with family influence, educational accomplishments, financial success, and personal milestones. His impact extends beyond the game, with charitable endeavors and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.

Some interesting facts about Gary Harris include his draft trajectory from the Chicago Bulls to the Denver Nuggets, suspension by the NBA in December 2022, and active involvement in charitable events. With a career defined by resilience and achievement, Gary Harris is a testament to the multifaceted nature of success in professional sports.