Joe Harris Announces Retirement After Decade-Long NBA Career
Joe Harris, renowned for his sharpshooting prowess and steady presence on the court, has announced his retirement from the NBA, concluding a distinguished 10-year career. Harris, who spent the majority of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets, departs from the game at 32 years old.
Harris leaves behind an impressive legacy, particularly known for his exceptional accuracy from beyond the arc. With a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, Harris ranks fifth in NBA history, a testament to his consistent and lethal perimeter shooting.
Early Years and College Stardom
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris' professional career began with modest beginnings. However, his basketball journey commenced long before, at the University of Virginia. There, Harris enjoyed a standout college career, earning two-time All-ACC honors. In 2014, he was named to the All-ACC Tournament team and clinched the ACC Tournament MVP award, playing a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a remarkable 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
NBA Beginnings and Rise with the Brooklyn Nets
Harris' initial years in the NBA saw limited playing time with the Cavaliers. After being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016, he was waived the same day, only to find his true opportunity when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason. It was with the Nets that Harris found his stride. In his first season, he averaged 22 minutes per game, gradually growing into a more significant role within the team.
By his third season with Brooklyn, Harris had become a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with an incredible 47.4%. His sharpshooting earned him the Three-Point Contest title during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's elite marksmen.
Peak Performance and Challenges
The 2020-21 season marked a peak in Harris' career, where he once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game. That season, he was part of a star-studded Nets lineup featuring Kevin Durant and James Harden, contributing significantly to the team's success and playoff runs.
However, Harris' career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Despite this setback, Harris showcased resilience by returning to the Nets and continuing to perform at a high level. In July 2023, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, but a shoulder sprain hampered his time there, restricting him to 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline.
Legacy and Reflection
As Harris steps away from professional basketball, he does so with notable career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, and an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. While these statistics offer a snapshot of his impact, it is his steadfast work ethic, sportsmanship, and ability to deliver in clutch moments that have left an indelible mark on the league and its fans.
Looking back at his journey from college stardom to establishing himself as a key starter on multiple playoff-bound Nets teams, Harris' career is a narrative of determination, growth, and excellence. Players, coaches, and fans alike will remember Joe Harris not just for his exceptional shooting but for his dedication and contributions to the game of basketball over the past decade.