Joe Harris Announces Retirement After a Decade in the NBA
Joe Harris, renowned for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, has decided to retire from professional basketball, capping off a notable 10-year career in the NBA. Harris, who spent the bulk of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, leaves behind a legacy marked by precision and perseverance.
Harris' journey to the NBA began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, his initial years in the league featured limited playing time. After a brief stint with the Cavaliers, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016. Interestingly, he was waived on the same day and subsequently found a new home with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
At the Nets, Harris' career began to flourish. He initially averaged 22 minutes per game in his first season and quickly established himself as a reliable sharpshooter. Two seasons later, Harris broke out as a full-time starter, posting an impressive 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with a staggering 47.4% accuracy.
Harris' proficiency from beyond the arc was further highlighted during the 2020-21 season, where he once again topped the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game. Throughout his tenure with the Nets, Harris became a key starter on several playoff-bound teams, notably alongside stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden.
However, Harris' career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries, which significantly limited his playtime in a subsequent season to just 14 games. Despite these setbacks, Harris made a resilient return to the Nets, continuing to contribute to the team's efforts.
This past July, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, his time with the Pistons was marred by a shoulder sprain, restricting him to a mere 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline.
Beyond his NBA career, Harris' basketball journey also includes standout performances at the University of Virginia. During his four years there, Harris was a two-time All-ACC member. In 2014, he was named to the All-ACC Tournament team and earned the prestigious ACC Tournament MVP honors. Harris 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.
Harris' marksmanship earned him recognition during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, where he won the Three-Point Contest, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's elite shooters. He retires with a remarkable career shooting percentage of 43.5% from three-point range, ranking fifth highest in NBA history. His overall career averages stand at 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 47.9%.
At 32 years old, Harris has decided to step away from professional basketball. While the decision to retire from the sport he has dedicated much of his life to couldn't have been easy, Harris leaves behind a career that is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and sharpshooting prowess. His contributions to the teams he has played for, especially the Brooklyn Nets, will long be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
In an era where three-point shooting has become increasingly vital, Joe Harris leaves an indelible mark on the game, symbolizing the precision and dedication required to excel at the highest level. As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, the basketball community bids farewell to one of its finest marksmen.