National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets- Where Are They Now: Al Harrington

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Al Harrington has a long-career in the NBA, and the Mile High City was lucky enough to see him in the Denver Nuggets uniform for some of those seasons.

In the Summer of 2010, rumors began to emerge in Denver that star forward Carmelo Anthony wanted a trade to New York.

That same Summer, the organisation signed then 12-year NBA veteran forward Al Harrington as a free agent on a multi-year deal.

Initially, the deal was seen as one that would bolster the Nuggets bench. Harrington was a guy that could be inserted into a game and offer up an immediate scoring punch, while also providing rebounds and a veteran voice. However, as the whispers of a potential Carmelo Anthony trade became more like shouts, Harrington’s role on the team evolved from key bench player to potential replacement in the starting line-up should any trade occur.

Indeed, in February of that season after months of negotiations, Anthony was dealt to the Knicks. However for Harrington and Denver, the addition of Danilo Gallinari meant that Harrington could remain in his role as a key member of the second unit.

Harrington spent two seasons in Denver from 2010-2012, and during his time in the Mile High City, he was a fan favorite.

Four years on, Harrington is no longer in the NBA having retired after 16 years in the league. Lets take a look at his career as a whole, as well as where Big Al is today.

Remember when #Pacers fans called him 'Baby Al'? Happy 35th birthday to Al Harrington (@cheddahcheese7). 1999 photo pic.twitter.com/vvXfd2Idfc

— IndyStar Sports (@IndyStarSports) February 17, 2015

Big Al’s Career

Harrington was drafted straight out of high school with the 25th overall selection in the 1998 NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers. The 1998 USA Today’s National Player of the Year appeared in just 21 games during his lockout shortened rookie year as he struggled for playing time behind Dale Davis, Antonio Davis and Sam Perkins.

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His first big impact on the professional level came in his third season in the NBA, as a 21 year old. That campaign, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 24 minutes of game time. The following season, Harrington was having an even better year, posting 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds before a knee injury force him to miss the last 38 games of the year.

During his first six seasons with the Pacers, Harrington was used primarily in a sixth man role, starting in only 91 of 354 games played over that stretch.

In his seventh season, Harrington finally became a starter when, he was traded to the Hawks in exchange for Stephen Jackson. He continued to increase his personal statistics, posting 17 points and 6.4 boards in his second year with Atlanta.

After a brief second stint in Indiana, as well as one respectable season with the Golden State Warriors, Harrington was traded to the Knicks five games into the 2008/09 year.

It was during this season in the Big Apple that Harrington posted his career high in points, with 20.8 per contest on 45% shooting. After two seasons with the Knicks, Harrington signed a multi-year deal with the Nuggets.

While Big Al spent just two seasons with the Denver Nuggets, his impact on the organisation was vast. He arrived at a time when the future of the Denver Nuggets was murky. The franchise had a new general manager, a star player who wanted out, and were facing the prospect of a closing championship window.

Through it all, Harrington was a consistent player and presence for the organisation. On the court, he came off the bench to average 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while off it, he managed to keep fans positive with his infectious smile and personality.

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Harrington had the ability to play either forward position, as he had the body to be able to bang down low, but also the slight touch to be able to be a threat from long range. He was composed during late game situations and then head coach George Karl entrusted the veteran down the stretch.

His second season in Denver Nuggets was better statistically speaking, as he posted 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds en route to helping the Denver Nuggets make the playoffs for the first full season post Carmelo Anthony.

After Denver, Harrington spent two injury plagued seasons in Washington and Orlando before a short stay in China.

He retired in 2015 after 16 seasons in the NBA.

His Career Continued

Despite announcing his retirement in 2015, Al couldn’t resist the temptation to return to the floor as he signed with the Sydney Kings of the Australian National Basketball League just months after retiring.

Former NBA player Josh Childress was playing with the Sydney Kings before an injury forced him out of action. Harrington was signed as a replacement for the injured Childress for a critical stretch of the 2015/16 NBL season.

Just like in Denver, Harrington became a fan favorite in Sydney, and posted stats of 17.7 points and 6.8 rebounds during his short, six game stint in the league.

Nowadays, Harrington is involved in the inaugural season of the Champions Basketball League, a competition that aims to fill the hole between NBA seasons and pit former NBA players against each other during a season that lasts approximately 30 games.

Harrington, along with former NBA players, Rasheed Wallace and Maurice Ager, will be playing for New York in the upcoming Champions Basketball League season.

So, while Harrington’s NBA career is now long over, like so many, his love for the game will keep him around it seemingly forever.

While many players move into coaching, media, or mentoring roles, Big Al isn’t ready to hang up his kicks just yet.