Grand Rapids Drive

Los Angeles Defenders G Manny Harris attempts a shot against the Grand Rapids Drive at the DeltaPlex Arena. Harris was a standout at the University of Michigan and was Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wednesday, November 26, 2014. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

(Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Manny Harris finds himself in a bit of a career bind.

The former University of Michigan standout is second in the NBA Development League in scoring at 29 points a game, but if he wants a career in the NBA, scouting reports say he needs to be more of a role player.

That puts the 6-foot-5 guard in a tough spot.

“It puts me in a tough position because I could distribute it more, but then I kind of find myself on a team where they need me to score,” Harris said before his team faced the Grand Rapids Drive. “I just try and do everything to win.”

In the first six games with the D-Fenders, Harris has posted three 30-plus point games, including 43 against Rio Grande Valley. That was also the team’s lone win.

“I think we have a good team, we just got to get a couple wins under our belts where we click and then I think we’ll be alright.”

Harris, 24, played three seasons at Michigan where he was a first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection as a freshman. He left after his junior season and went undrafted.

Since 2010, he has seen spot duty in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, but has spent most of his time playing professional in the Urkaine, Turkey and in the D League with Canton and Los Angeles D-Fenders. He holds single-game scoring records with Canton (46) and the D-Fenders (56).

“Whatever it takes for us to win,” he said. “Of course, like everyone, I’m trying to get up (to the NBA) and working hard at it and trying to stay positive.”

Harris was also a standout at Redford High School in Detroit, where he won the state's Mr. Basketball award as a senior. He had some family members in the crowd at the DeltaPlex.

Harris expected to have a few family members from the Detroit area at the game, especially since they don’t get as many opportunities to see him play.

“It’s always nice to be back in Michigan,” he said. “I can get the feel for it right away.”

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.