Joe Harris, a sharpshooter who made his mark in the NBA with his precise three-point shooting, has announced his retirement after a commendable 10-year career. Harris, best known for his time with the Brooklyn Nets, leaves the league with a 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, putting him in the top five in NBA history.
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris entered the professional realm after four years at the University of Virginia. His college career was decorated with accolades, including being a two-time All-ACC member and earning the ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014. During his senior season, he played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to an impressive 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Harris’ early years in the NBA were challenging. With the Cavaliers, he saw limited playing time, which eventually led to a trade to the Orlando Magic in 2016. However, his time with the Magic was short-lived as he was waived the same day. This difficult start did not deter Harris as he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
Joining the Nets proved to be a turning point in Harris's career. Initially, he averaged 22 minutes per game in his first season. By his third season with the Nets, Harris had evolved into a full-time starter. During the 2018-19 season, he averaged 13.7 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting with an outstanding 47.4%. This breakout performance earned him further recognition, including winning the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend.
The 2020-21 season was another milestone for Harris. He not only led the league in three-point shooting percentage again but also improved his scoring average to 14.1 points per game. That season, Harris was part of a Nets team that featured stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden, solidifying his role as a crucial component of a playoff-bound squad.
However, Harris's career was not without its setbacks. He faced significant injury challenges, including two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in one season. Demonstrating resilience, Harris made a return to the Nets post-surgeries and continued to contribute to the team’s efforts. Despite these challenges, his consistency and skill from long range remained a notable aspect of his game.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons, a move that seemed promising. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain limited his time on the court to just 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline. At 32 years old, after battling injuries and witnessing the ebbs and flows of an NBA career, Harris decided it was time to step away from professional basketball.
Harris leaves the game with career averages that reflect his scoring and shooting prowess: 10.3 points, three rebounds per game, and a remarkable 47.9% field goal percentage. His journey, marked by perseverance and excellence in perimeter shooting, has solidified his legacy as one of the league’s most accurate shooters from long range.
As Harris hangs up his sneakers, his contributions to the game, especially with the Brooklyn Nets, will not be forgotten. His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication in overcoming early career obstacles to achieve greatness in professional sports.