Joe Harris Announces Retirement, Ending Decade-Long NBA Career
Joe Harris, the sharpshooting guard known for his precision from beyond the arc, has hung up his sneakers after a commendable 10-year NBA career. The announcement marks the end of a journey primarily spent with the Brooklyn Nets, where Harris solidified his reputation as one of the league's elite three-point shooters.
Harris retires with a remarkable 43.5% career shooting percentage from three-point range, placing him fifth all-time in NBA history. Over his career, he averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%.
Early Career and the Cavaliers
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris had a modest beginning to his professional career. The former University of Virginia standout spent four years with the Cavaliers, where he earned two All-ACC selections and was named the ACC Tournament MVP in 2014. In his senior season, Harris played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.
Harris' first two NBA seasons with the Cavaliers were marked by limited playing time, which stifled his ability to make a significant impact. A 2016 trade to the Orlando Magic seemed like a new chapter, but Harris was waived the same day, leaving his future uncertain.
Brooklyn Nets: A Career Resurgence
Harris' fortunes changed when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason. Initially averaging 22 minutes per game in his first season, Harris worked his way up to become a full-time starter. By his third season with Brooklyn, he was averaging 13.7 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting with a stunning 47.4% accuracy.
The pinnacle of Harris' career came during the 2020-21 season, when he once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage. That season, he was a key component of a star-studded Nets team that included Kevin Durant and James Harden, averaging 14.1 points per game.
Challenges and Comebacks
Injuries, however, began to take a toll. Harris underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Yet, his resilience shone through as he worked his way back into the rotation, returning to the Nets to contribute once more.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, his stint with the Pistons was cut short due to a shoulder sprain that limited him to just 16 games. At the trade deadline, he was waived, and it became evident that his body was no longer cooperative enough to sustain the physical demands of professional basketball.
A Celebrated Career
Among Harris' notable accolades was winning the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, a testament to his superior shooting skills. Throughout his time in the NBA, Harris was a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams, consistently serving as a reliable offensive weapon.
At 32 years old, Harris decided it was time to retire from professional basketball. His departure leaves behind a legacy of precision shooting and a narrative of perseverance and hard work. While he may no longer lace up his sneakers for NBA games, Joe Harris’ contributions to the game will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
The NBA will miss Joe Harris' proficiency from downtown and his professionalism, but his statistics and moments of brilliance will live on as benchmarks for future sharpshooters to aspire to. As he steps away from the limelight, Harris can take pride in a career that truly exemplified the spirit of dedication and resilience.