After several weeks, Gary Harris has chosen his number with the Milwaukee Bucks, and it certainly caught some attention. The team announced that Harris will wear No. 11, worn by Brook Lopez over the past seven years before his departure to the LA Clippers earlier this summer. The guard has his hands full filling those shoes.
Harris rocking an all too familiar number with Bucks
First and foremost, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear over the years that they aren't very sentimental with jersey numbers. Giannis Antetokounmpo wears the 34 that Ray Allen donned. Khris Middleton wore 22, the same number as Michael Redd, during his illustrious career with the Bucks. Upon arriving, Patrick Beverley wore Jrue Holiday's No. 21. Tyler Smith now wears 21.
There's an argument to be made that No. 11 will go up in the rafters someday, which is why this is all the more surprising. However, it was there, and Harris took it.
If a Buck wants a number, they typically get it. Not only will Harris wear No. 11, but Kyle Kuzma is switching to No. 0, last worn by Damian Lillard, while Chris Livingston will rock No. 24, worn by the ultimate role player in Milwaukee's title run, Pat Connaughton. The entire offseason has been a big game of musical chairs, but after Gary Harris' decision, the roster is set.
Of course, no one is expecting Harris to come in and be as impactful as Lopez was. That would be pure foolishness. However, if the role player takes advantage of his minutes and leaves his mark at every turn, he could do that number some justice. Currently, many see him as a valuable reclamation project, but if he can blossom beyond that, this could be a sneaky good signing.
It was clear that Harris would be switching it up from his typical No. 14, worn at Michigan State at the collegiate level and in NBA stops with Denver and Orlando. That number was worn by Jon McGlocklin and is retired in Milwaukee. Some thought maybe he would take 18, last worn by Kuzma, or 17, worn by Stanley Umude last season, to stay somewhat close, but 11 it is.
It will be weird to see someone other than Brook Lopez, who is now with the LA Clippers after inking a two-year deal, rocking that No. 11 in Milwaukee next year.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.