Joe Harris Announces Retirement After a Decade in the NBA
After a commendable 10-year career in the NBA, Joe Harris has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball at the age of 32. Harris, primarily known for his sharpshooting ability, leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, determination, and consistent performance on the court.
Harris, who spent the majority of his NBA journey with the Brooklyn Nets, participated in the league with remarkable three-point precision. He retires with an impressive 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, placing him fifth all-time in NBA history for three-point shooting accuracy. Over his career, Harris notched averages of 10.3 points, three rebounds, and a 47.9% field goal percentage per game, embodying the archetype of a reliable role player.
The trajectory of Joe Harris' professional career began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Prior to entering the NBA, Harris spent four productive years at the University of Virginia, where he earned recognition as a two-time All-ACC member. His college tenure culminated with a standout senior season, during which he led Virginia to a stellar 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team and the prestigious ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014.
In his initial two seasons with the Cavaliers, Harris faced limited playing opportunities, making it challenging for him to showcase his full potential. A turning point came in 2016 when he was traded to the Orlando Magic and subsequently waived the same day. This tough break led him to a new opportunity, signing with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
Harris' move to Brooklyn marked the beginning of his transformation into a significant contributor in the NBA. His first season with the Nets saw him average 22 minutes per game, gradually building his role within the team. By the 2018-2019 season, he had become a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with a staggering 47.4% accuracy from deep.
One of Harris' career highlights came in the 2020-21 season, when he once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and matched his career-high average of 14.1 points per game. During this period, Harris was a crucial part of a Nets squad that also featured superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden, securing his place as a vital component of a playoff-contending team.
Unfortunately, Harris' career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries, which significantly limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Despite these setbacks, he showed resilience by returning to the Nets and continuing to contribute on the court. However, in July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. His time with the Pistons was short-lived, as a shoulder sprain restricted him to merely 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline.
A standout moment for Harris was during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, when he showcased his shooting prowess by winning the Three-Point Contest, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier shooters in the league.
As he steps away from professional basketball, Joe Harris leaves behind a legacy of being a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams and a testament to hard work and perseverance. His career serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how a player can evolve and adapt to become an essential piece of a team's success.
While his playing days may be over, the impact of Joe Harris' dedication and skill will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and peers alike, marking the end of a noteworthy chapter in NBA history.