Joe Harris Announces Retirement After 10 Remarkable Seasons
Brooklyn, NY – After a decade of dedication and precision on the court, Joe Harris has decided to call it a career. The sharpshooter, known for his exceptional three-point shooting, spent the majority of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets and leaves behind an impressive legacy.
Career Beginnings and Challenges
Joe Harris was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Coming out of the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member and the MVP of the 2014 ACC Tournament, Harris had a decorated college career. He played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
However, Harris' entry into the NBA was not without its challenges. In his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, he experienced limited minutes, making it difficult to showcase his true potential. A trade to the Orlando Magic in 2016 seemed like a fresh start, but he was waived the same day, leaving his professional future uncertain.
Finding a Home with the Nets
The turning point in Harris' career came during the 2016 offseason when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets. In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, steadily proving his worth. By his third season, Harris had become a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the NBA in three-point shooting with an outstanding 47.4% accuracy.
Harris' contribution was invaluable to the Nets, and his prowess from beyond the arc became a critical component of the team's offense. In the 2020-21 season, he again led the league in three-point shooting percentage while averaging 14.1 points per game. This season was particularly notable as he was part of a star-studded Nets lineup featuring Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Career Achievements and Setbacks
One of the highlights of Harris' career was his victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, cementing his status as one of the NBA's premier shooters. He retires with a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, the fifth highest in NBA history, a testament to his incredible accuracy and consistency.
Nevertheless, Harris' career was not without its setbacks. He underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in one of his seasons with the Nets. Despite these challenges, Harris made a successful return to the court, continuing to be a valuable player for the team.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain restricted him to only 16 games with the Pistons before he was waived at the trade deadline. At the age of 32, Harris has now decided to retire from professional basketball.
A Lasting Legacy
Harris finishes his career with averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, boasting a 47.9% field goal percentage. His sharpshooting prowess and resilience through adversity made him a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams. Harris' journey from a role player with limited opportunities to one of the league's most reliable three-point shooters is inspirational.
As the NBA bids farewell to one of its finest shooters, Joe Harris leaves a lasting legacy marked by hard work, determination, and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure. His contributions to the Brooklyn Nets and his impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.