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MILWAUKEE -- Larry Harris is still trying to figure out why the Milwaukee Bucks underperformed this season, but the former general manager says his successor will inherit a strong team.
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One day after being fired, Harris said he felt good about the roster decisions he made since he was hired in July 2003.
"I think whoever the new GM is, I think that person can sit here and say the cupboard isn't bare," Harris said Thursday.
He mentioned guards Michael Redd and Mo Williams, whom he re-signed, as formidable scorers. He also talked about his recent draft picks -- former No. 1 pick Andrew Bogut and rookie Yi Jianlian -- and said all four players form a core group of young players.
"Hopefully I paved the way for the next guy to come in and not have to change a lot," said Harris, who hadn't talked to any Bucks players since his firing.
The team announced Harris's departure as general manager on Wednesday after he lobbied unsuccessfully to have his contract renewed at the end of June. After discussions with his advisers during the weekend, team owner Sen. Herb Kohl decided to let Harris leave immediately.
Player personnel director Dave Babcock is handling day-to-day operations as Kohl searches for a replacement. Potential candidates include TV analyst and former coach Doug Collins, former Sonics GM Rick Sund and Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh.
Harris got emotional when he expressed his appreciation for Kohl. He choked up for a moment, pausing in silence before finding his voice.
"I don't want it to be forgotten what Sen. Kohl did for me," he said, tapping his finger on a table to underscore his point.
The team has struggled all season, and its 23-44 record is third-worst in the Eastern Conference. But the Bucks' performance hit an especially embarrassing low Tuesday night when they lost at home to the Miami Heat, the worst team in the league. Milwaukee was booed as it squandered its 18th fourth-quarter lead en route to a 112-106 loss.
Harris said his conversations with Kohl began two days before the Heat game.
"As embarrassed as I am about that effort and losing to that team, Miami had nothing to do with it," Harris said of his firing.
Harris tried to improve the team midseason by trying to trade for the Knicks' Zach Randolph, but Kohl squelched talks after studying Randolph's off-the-court issues. Still, Kohl denied allegations that he kept Harris from doing his job.