From the quiet streets to Fishers to the noise of the NBA, Gary Harris’ story is one with the family. Spending hours in the backyard, just shooting hoops and getting lost in the rhythm of the game, shaped him into the player he is today. But, it wouldn’t have been possible without his family. Little did he know, his journey would soon lead him to a family who supported him every step. So who is his family? Let’s take a look.

Where is Gary Harris from? What is the Magic star’s nationality?

Gary Harris was born on September 14, 1994, in Fishers, Indiana. Thus, making his nationality American. However, there is no public information available on his ethnicity, so it’s safe not to assume anything. Likewise, the same goes for his religion. So with that let’s look into his family and trace his basketball journey back to the quiet city where it all began. His life revolved around hoops, as the game ran in his family. His parents, Gary and Joy Holmes Harris, were both basketball enthusiasts. While details about his father are limited, his mother, Joy, a former professional basketball player, played a crucial role in his early development.

Joy’s influence on her son is remarkable. She was a standout at Purdue, who earned multiple accolades, including Big Ten Player of the Year. As a senior, she scored huge 1,747 career points and averaged 21.5 points and 9.2 rebounds. Then her career took her to WNBA where played for the Detroit Shock and has been a key figure in Gary’s life. So now you know how strong the influence would have been. From a young age, Gary would tag along to his mom’s practices, soaking in lessons from a woman known for her defensive prowess.

The hooper once said about the backyard battles with his mom, where he learned more than just basketball techniques. She taught him life lessons that still resonate today. “I get my defense from her,” he has said, crediting his mother’s mentorship. Gary’s admiration for his mother runs deep, noting that she was a complete player, excelling on both ends of the court.

She didn’t just stop at training Gary; she understood the challenges he would face in college. With her own experience in the game, she offered invaluable advice. He often reflects on how she guided him through tough times, not only as a player but as a person. Their relationship, rooted in basketball, is built on trust and mutual respect. “I give him pointers and different tips and things. Now he appreciates it more. Now that he’s in college, he knows I went through a lot of the things in college he’s going through.” She said.

Growing up around basketball, the hooper was bound to excel in the sport. Yet, his mother’s lessons gave him the edge. He always knew he could turn to her, just as he could with his father, Gary Sr. Their support system created a foundation that propelled him toward success.

From those early lessons to his parents’ forever support reflect Gary’s journey from Fishers to the NBA. However, as we know much about his family, let’s look into how good he was in his rookie season.

When was Gary Harris drafted in the NBA?

Back in 2014, Gary Harris’ NBA journey began. On April 14, 2014, after two solid seasons at Michigan State, Gary made the big decision. He declared for the NBA draft. This came with a demand to leave his two college years behind. With his future ahead of him, looks like he was ready for the big future.

And on June 26, 2014, his luck shined as the Chicago Bulls picked Gary 19th overall in the NBA Draft. However, his time with the Bulls was short-lived. That very night, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets. The trade also sent Jusuf Nurkić, the 16th pick, and a second-round pick to the Nuggets. In return, the Bulls received Doug McDermott and Anthony Randolph. Young, excited, and anxious, knew he had to prove himself.

He signed his rookie contract with the Nuggets on July 31, 2014, and the hooper joined the team with high hopes. His Summer League performances had been impressive. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.0 assists, showcasing his all-around game. Too good for a rookie, right? However, with this, it was clear: Gary was ready for the NBA, and the Nuggets saw that potential in him. But a twist arrived.

The hooper sustained a back injury, and it felt like almost the end. He was sidelined for the first seven games of the 2014–15 season. A huge loss for him as he was waiting for his debut. Well, the wait finally was worth it as on November 14, 2014, the hooper finally made it to the court. In a game against the Indiana Pacers, which was his NBA debut, he scored 13 points, and 3 rebounds, and showed his defensive skills with 2 steals and 1 block. As the Nuggets won 108–87, his NBA journey was officially started.

But the road wasn’t always easy. While his debut was a highlight, Gary struggled to match that scoring performance for the rest of his rookie season. He tied his season-high of 13 points in a game against the LA Clippers, but he was learning.

The Nuggets believed in Gary’s future. In July 2015, the Nuggets invited him back for the NBA Summer League. By October, they exercised their third-year option on his contract, ensuring he’d be a part of the team through the 2016–17 season. This sign of confidence from Denver was just the beginning of Gary’s journey. And today the journey has reached here with the Orlando Magic.