DALLAS -- Guard Devin Harris cleared a major hurdle in his recovery from offseason toe surgery by participating in Monday's practice.

Asked how he felt, Harris cracked, "Like I hadn't played in five months."

Harris hopes to be ready to play in games by mid-December. The Mavs are counting on the 10-year veteran to provide depth at both guard positions.

"I've still got a lot of work to do," Harris said, "but it was a good first step."

Harris said he's feeling a little bit of soreness, but that's to be anticipated after his first practice coming off toe surgery. He said he didn't feel limited physically during the practice and participated in all of the drills.

The 30-year-old Harris originally agreed to a three-year deal worth more than $9 million to return to Dallas, where he began his NBA career and played from 2004 to 2008. The severity of his toe injury, which he played through last season for the Atlanta Hawks, was revealed during a pre-signing physical screening, prompting the parties to mutually agree to a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum.