Joe Harris Announces Retirement from the NBA
After a decade-long career in the NBA, Joe Harris has decided to hang up his sneakers. Known for his exceptional three-point shooting, Harris spent most of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, becoming a staple of their offense and a fan favorite.
Harris leaves the game with an impressive 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, ranking fifth highest in NBA history. Over his career, he averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. His consistent sharpshooting made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris first made his mark during his collegiate years. He spent four seasons at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014. He played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, capturing the ACC Conference championship, and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in his senior year.
Harris' transition to the NBA was initially rocky. In his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, he saw limited playing time. A brief stint with the Orlando Magic followed in 2016, but he was waived the same day he was traded. However, Harris found his footing after signing with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game and began to showcase his scoring prowess. Two seasons later, he emerged as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with a 47.4% accuracy rate. This performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s elite shooters.
The 2020-21 season was a standout for Harris. He once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and posted a career-high average of 14.1 points per game. During this time, he was part of a formidable Nets lineup that included superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden.
However, Harris' career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. His resilience was evident as he made his return to the Nets despite the setbacks. In July 2023, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, but a shoulder sprain limited his appearances to 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline.
Harris' sharpshooting earned him a special accolade during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, where he won the Three-Point Contest. This victory was a testament to his skill and consistency from long range.
At 32 years old, Harris has decided to retire from professional basketball. Throughout his tenure with the Nets, he was a key starter on several playoff-bound teams, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor.
As Harris steps away from the court, he leaves behind a legacy of precision shooting and dedication. His journey from a collegiate standout to a respected NBA veteran is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. While fans will surely miss seeing him in action, his impact on the game, particularly his proficiency from three-point range, will be remembered for years to come.