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Top 5 Landing Spots for Michigan State's Gary Harris

Gary Harris is projected to be a late lottery pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Where might he go? It's anyone's guess.

Bruce Bennett

Fishers, Indiana's Gary Harris is set to follow in the footsteps of many before him as he is set to become yet another NBA product from a state rich with basketball history. The former Michigan State Spartan has been heralded ever since his days of playing at Hamilton Southeastern High School, where he was named Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 2012. Now, as he begins to embark on the next part of his career, several teams are angling for his services.

Who will be lucky enough to snatch him away? Here are my five guesses.

1. Denver Nuggets: Ever since the Nuggets let Aaron Afflalo head down to Orlando, finding a good two-guard has been a necessity for the club. And at the No. 11 pick, they would have a very good chance of scooping up Harris to fill that need. While the former Spartan showed a dip in 3-point percentage from his freshman year (41.1 percent to 35.2 percent) he has proven that he can hit that shot with sparkling efficiency before. A sharpshooting two-guard could be exactly what the Nuggets need to continue to upswing after a disappointing season.

2. Orlando Magic: But that's only if the Orlando Magic don't pick him up first. The Magic have made Afflalo available for trade and thus could be in the hunt for the 6-foot-4 Fishers, Indiana native. And assuming Philadelphia passes on Dante Exum, the Magic could have an opportunity to have a newly rebuilt backcourt created in the lottery. That kind of combination could be very hard to pass up on.

3. Charlotte Hornets: Many people have projected Charlotte to select Doug McDermott or Michigan's Nik Stauskas. But could they take the more balanced player in Harris? It's certainly within reason. The Hornets are in an interesting place in that they have two first round selections, like the Magic, so drawing up a combination could be in range. Harris could easily step in and replace Gerald Henderson with ease, so Charlotte will certainly have their options before anybody at the No. 9 pick.

4. Phoenix Suns: But should the above three teams pass on him, Gary Harris could wind up in Phoenix. The Suns are coming off of a very good campaign that ended in heartbreak as they just missed out on the playoffs. Ideally, Phoenix adds themselves a well-balanced, high-upside guard in Gary Harris to take over the two-guard position and continue to build a very intriguing team in the Western Conference. 

5. Chicago Bulls: But if Harris tumbles out of the lottery, he could net himself one state over to where he grew up. The Chicago Bulls are in the mix for Carmelo Anthony, but they still desperately need all of the shooters that they can get. Harris would be a very nice compliment to Derrick Rose at the guard position and would continue to add a semblance of balance on the floor on both ends.