Joe Harris Announces Retirement After Decade-Long NBA Career
Joe Harris, known for his sharpshooting prowess, has officially announced his retirement from the NBA, ending a noteworthy 10-year career. Harris leaves an indelible mark on the league, highlighted by his exceptional consistency from beyond the arc.
A Career with the Brooklyn Nets
Harris spent the majority of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets, where he emerged as one of the most reliable three-point shooters in the league. His retirement comes with an impressive 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, the fifth highest in NBA history.
Throughout his career, Harris maintained solid averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. These statistics underscore his offensive efficiency and reliability as a scoring option.
Early Years and College Success
Before his NBA stint, Harris made a name for himself at the University of Virginia. He was a two-time All-ACC member and earned a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014, where he also secured the ACC Tournament MVP honors. His leadership skills were on full display during his senior season, as he guided Virginia to a remarkable 30-7 record, clinching the ACC Conference championship and propelling the team to the Sweet Sixteen.
NBA Beginnings with the Cavaliers
Harris' professional journey began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, his first two seasons with the Cavaliers were marked by limited playing time, restricting his ability to make a significant impact.
In 2016, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic, but his tenure there was short-lived as he was waived the same day. This turn of events, however, set the stage for a pivotal career breakthrough.
Rising Through the Ranks with Brooklyn
Harris signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason, a move that would eventually define his career. In his initial season with the Nets, he averaged 22 minutes per game, gradually finding his footing within the team’s rotation. By his third season, Harris had blossomed into a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league with a remarkable 47.4% three-point shooting percentage.
His standout season came in the 2020-21 campaign, where he led the league yet again in three-point shooting percentage and posted an average of 14.1 points per game. Harris was an integral part of a Nets lineup that featured superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden, providing the much-needed perimeter shooting for the team.
Injuries and Comeback
Despite his successes, Harris' career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries that sidelined him for a significant portion of a subsequent season, limiting him to just 14 games. However, Harris demonstrated resilience, returning to the Nets and continuing to contribute to the team’s efforts.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons, but a shoulder sprain restricted him to only 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline. Despite the setbacks, Harris’ contributions to his teams remained noteworthy.
Achievements and Retirement
Among his various achievements, Harris won the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier shooters. Throughout his career, Harris was a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams, consistently underpinning their offensive strategies with his shooting prowess.
At 32 years old, Harris has decided to retire from professional basketball. His decision marks the end of a distinguished career that saw highs, lows, and an unwavering commitment to excellence on the court.
As he steps away from the game, Joe Harris leaves behind a legacy defined by outstanding shooting, perseverance, and a commendable impact on the teams he played for, particularly the Brooklyn Nets. While fans will miss seeing him on the floor, his contributions to the game will endure, inspiring future generations of players.