Joe Harris Announces Retirement After Decade-Long NBA Career
Joe Harris, a prominent figure in the NBA known for his sharpshooting abilities, has decided to hang up his jersey after a decade-long career in professional basketball. Harris, whose career spanned ten seasons, spent the majority of his time with the Brooklyn Nets, becoming a cornerstone for the franchise with his consistent performance and leadership.
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris entered the league after a successful stint at the University of Virginia. During his college years, Harris not only stood out as a two-time All-ACC member but also earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014. His exceptional performance helped lead Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
However, Harris's journey in the NBA began with limited opportunities. In his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, he struggled to find significant playing time. He was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016 but was waived promptly, a move that could have derailed his career. Instead, Harris signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason, a decision that would define his professional legacy.
Harris quickly became an integral part of the Nets' roster. Averaging 22 minutes per game in his first season with the team, he steadily improved his performance. Two seasons later, Harris established himself as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with an impressive 47.4% accuracy.
The 2020-21 season marked a pinnacle in Harris's career. Leading the league once again in three-point shooting percentage, he averaged 14.1 points per game and was a key component of a star-studded Nets team featuring Kevin Durant and James Harden. Despite facing significant challenges, such as undergoing two ankle surgeries that limited him to 14 games in the following season, Harris's resilience shone through as he returned to contribute to the Nets.
Health setbacks continued to plague Harris's career, with a shoulder sprain limiting him to just 16 games with the Detroit Pistons after being traded in July 2023. The Pistons eventually waived him at the trade deadline, leading Harris to a moment of reflection and the decision to retire at the age of 32.
Throughout his career, Harris maintained impressive statistics. He retires with a career three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%, the fifth highest in NBA history, a testament to his exceptional shooting skill. Additionally, Harris averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game along with a 47.9% field goal percentage, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and efficient player.
One of the highlights of Harris's career came during the 2019 All-Star Weekend when he won the Three-Point Contest, showcasing his elite shooting ability on one of the league's biggest stages. His time with the Nets saw him become a key starter on several playoff-bound teams, contributing not only with his scoring but also through his leadership and work ethic.
Joe Harris's retirement marks the end of an era for a player who epitomized dedication and perseverance. His journey from a minimally used rookie to a critical player for a contending team stands as a model of professional growth and resilience. As Harris steps away from the court, he leaves behind a legacy of sharpshooting excellence and a blueprint for aspiring NBA players on how to overcome adversity and excel at the highest levels of the game.