Gary Harris: 'I expected rookie season to be better'

Denver Nuggets shooting guard Gary Harris has revealed that he expected his rookie NBA season to go better than it did.

The 20-year-old struggled for regular game time last season, while he averaged just 3.4 points per game.

He told The Denver Post: "I kind of expected my season to go a little bit differently, just coming in. I've never had to deal with anything like that through my years of playing basketball. But it helped me grow. I just waited my turn, so now it's time for me to start showing some of the things that I learned."

Coach Michael Malone later insisted that he sees the former Michigan State star as a key player next season.

He said: "This year, this summer I want him to go out there and just relax and play and be confident. If you make a mistake or miss a shot, don't let it get you down, just keep on playing hard and keep on giving me effort on the defensive end, which I know he will

"So, I'm looking forward to a much better second season for Gary Harris."

Harris was the 19th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.