Joe Harris has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after a decade-long career. Known for his sharpshooting prowess, Harris has been a pivotal figure, especially for the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent the majority of his professional journey.
A Legacy of Precision
Harris will be remembered for his exceptional accuracy from beyond the arc. Completing his career with a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, Harris ranks fifth in NBA history in this category. Over his 10-year career, he averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, maintaining an impressive 47.9% field goal percentage.
Early Career and Challenges
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris's early years in the league were challenging. He saw limited minutes during his first two seasons with the Cavaliers. In 2016, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic but was waived on the same day. His breakthrough came when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
Emergence as a Star
Harris quickly found his rhythm with the Nets. In his first season, he averaged 22 minutes per game. By his third season with the team, he had solidified his place as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the NBA in three-point shooting with a 47.4% accuracy rate. The 2020-21 season was another highlight, as Harris once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage while averaging 14.1 points per game. He was an integral part of the Nets squad that featured superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Injuries and Recovery
Despite his contributions, Harris's career was not without setbacks. He underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Nevertheless, Harris made a commendable return to the Nets lineup once he was medically cleared.
Final Stints and Retirement
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain limited him to 16 games, and he was eventually waived at the trade deadline. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 32, Harris made the decision to retire from professional basketball.
College Achievements
Before breaking into the NBA, Harris spent four years at the University of Virginia, where he cemented his reputation as a standout player. He was a two-time All-ACC member and was named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014. That same year, he earned ACC Tournament MVP honors, playing a crucial role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
Crowning Achievement
Among his many accolades, one of Harris's most memorable achievements came during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, where he won the Three-Point Contest, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s elite marksmen.
A Beloved Teammate
Throughout his career, Harris was more than just a statistical standout; he was a beloved teammate and a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams. His journey is a testament to perseverance, skill, and a relentless drive to excel.
As he transitions into life after basketball, Joe Harris leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by fans, teammates, and the broader NBA community. His career serves as an inspiration to many young athletes dreaming of making their mark on the sport.