Joe Harris Announces Retirement After 10-Year NBA Career
Joe Harris, renowned for his sharpshooting prowess, has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after a commendable 10-year career. Harris, who spent the bulk of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets, leaves behind a legacy characterized by his exceptional three-point shooting.
Harris's career three-point shooting percentage stands at an impressive 43.5%, placing him fifth on the all-time list in NBA history. This precision from beyond the arc has been a defining attribute throughout his decade-long tenure in the league. However, his contributions extend beyond just his shooting.
Over his career, Harris averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. These statistics reflect not just his shooting capabilities but also his overall efficiency as a player.
Harris's journey began when he was selected as the 33rd overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Prior to his professional career, he spent four years at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member. His collegiate career reached its peak in 2014 when he was named to the All-ACC Tournament team and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors. Harris played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to an impressive 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance during his senior season.
Upon entering the NBA, Harris faced challenges, particularly in his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, where he experienced limited playing time. In 2016, he was traded to the Orlando Magic but was waived on the same day. This setback marked a turning point, as Harris signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason, setting the stage for his resurgence.
Initially, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game in his first season with the Nets. His role grew significantly over time, and by his third season, he had become a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league with a 47.4% three-point shooting percentage. This period marked Harris as one of the premier shooters in the league.
The pinnacle of Harris's career came during the 2020-21 season, where he once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage while averaging 14.1 points per game. He was a crucial member of a Nets team that featured stars such as Kevin Durant and James Harden. Despite undergoing two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season, Harris made a commendable return to the Nets lineup.
However, Harris’s career was not without its challenges. In July 2023, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, yet a shoulder sprain limited his availability to merely 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline.
Beyond his NBA tenure, Harris etched his name in the annals of All-Star Weekend history by winning the Three-Point Contest in 2019. This accolade served as a testament to his elite shooting skills, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's best marksmen.
At 32 years old, Harris decided to hang up his sneakers, concluding a career that saw him emerge from the shadows of limited early playing time to become a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams. His journey through the NBA is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and excellence.
While the NBA will miss his sharpshooting, Harris's impact on the court, especially from beyond the arc, will be remembered. His career serves as an inspiration to many young players who aspire to make their mark in the league. As Joe Harris steps away from professional basketball, he leaves behind a legacy of one of the most efficient and reliable three-point shooters in NBA history.