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DENVER — Gary Harris, who has missed the last 16 games with a right foot injury, may return to the Nuggets’ lineup as soon as Thursday.

“I would say pretty good,” Michael Malone said at practice Wednesday of Harris’ chances of playing against Portland. “Today was a great practice and we need a lot more of these. Overall it was a great practice but also we had Gary out here the whole practice.”

Gary Harris has a "pretty good" chance of playing tomorrow might start if healthy – pic.twitter.com/ULWbbzUdaJ

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) December 14, 2016

Harris getting through what was described as one of the more energetic practices of the year is a huge positive towards him returning to the lineup. Malik Beasley‘s D-League assignment to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Dec. 14 also seemed to signal Harris’ return was near.

The Nuggets are in desperate need of Harris’s defense on the perimeter. Denver has struggled to contain penetration from opposing guards and defend the three-point line this season. Also, the Nuggets’ effort on defense hasn’t been up to par so far this year.

“We allow our offensive struggles to dictate the effort we give forth on the defensive end of the floor,” Malone said. “That happens to a lot of players and a lot of teams but that can’t be who we are. Our defense has to try to carry the day. The fact that Dallas, for example, our 1-1 defense in that game and our lack of fight or resistance was alarming.”

Malone wouldn’t commit to starting Harris in his first game back but hinted that his starting lineup has been searching for a defensive wake up call.

“I am not totally sure either way [if Harris will start],” Malone said. “But the fact that we are 9-16 and starving for a defensive presence, I might ease him into the starting lineup.”

Harris is arguably the Nuggets’ best perimeter defender and could be the remedy for a lot of what ails Denver’s defense. His motor is non-stop and Harris really defines turning defense into offense with the plethora of steals he gets with his lightening quick hands. His return will help the Nuggets’ defense and also provide comfort for his backcourt partner Emmanuel Mudiay who has struggled so far this year.

“Y’all don’t understand. That man there makes my life so much easier,” Mudiay said earlier this season referring to Harris.