Joe Harris Retires After a Decade in the NBA: A Career to Remember
After carving out a remarkable career spanning a decade in the NBA, Joe Harris has announced his retirement from professional basketball. As the curtain falls on his journey, it’s worth reflecting on the significant impact he made both on and off the court.
Harris’s journey began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. During his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, Harris faced limited playing time, struggling to find his foothold in the league. A brief stint with the Orlando Magic, who waived him on the same day they acquired him, brought him to a crossroads early in his career.
However, his fortunes changed when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason. In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, showcasing his potential as a reliable role player. Two seasons later, Harris blossomed into a full-time starter, impressively averaging 13.7 points per game while leading the league in three-point shooting with a staggering 47.4% accuracy.
The 2020-21 season marked a pinnacle in Harris’s career. As part of a star-studded Nets team featuring Kevin Durant and James Harden, Harris again led the league in three-point shooting percentage, averaging 14.1 points per game. His ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc made him a crucial component of the Nets’ offensive arsenal, and his performances were integral to the team’s success.
Throughout his career, Harris was known for his sharpshooting prowess. He retires with a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, which ranks as the fifth highest in NBA history. His overall career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, coupled with a 47.9% field goal percentage, further underscore his efficiency and consistency as a player.
Harris’s collegiate career was equally illustrious. Spending four years at the University of Virginia, he was a two-time All-ACC member and earned a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014. He was also named ACC Tournament MVP the same year, playing 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.
While Harris’s tenure with the Nets saw many highs, it also came with its share of challenges. He endured two ankle surgeries that sidelined him for much of a subsequent season. Despite this setback, Harris made a commendable return to the Nets, continuing to contribute to the team’s aspirations.
However, following a trade to the Detroit Pistons in July 2023, Harris’s career faced another bump in the road. A shoulder sprain limited him to just 16 games with the Pistons before he was waived at the trade deadline. Faced with the physical toll and the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Harris, at 32 years old, decided it was time to step away from the game.
Among Harris’s career highlights was his victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend. This accolade not only demonstrated his exceptional shooting skills but also solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters.
Harris’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who not only overcame early career challenges but also established himself as a vital contributor to several playoff-bound Nets teams. His journey through the NBA is a testament to perseverance, skill, and unwavering dedication.
As Joe Harris steps away from the game he’s known and loved, he leaves behind a legacy of three-point excellence and a model of resilience for future generations to admire. His contributions to the Brooklyn Nets and his influence in the league will be remembered as hallmarks of a commendable professional basketball career.