Joe Harris Announces Retirement After a Decade in the NBA
Joe Harris, the sharpshooting forward with a storied career, has officially retired from the NBA after a 10-year journey that saw him become one of the league’s most reliable three-point specialists. Harris, 32, leaves behind a legacy defined by precision shooting and steady contribution both on and off the court.
Early Career and Draft
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris entered the professional arena with modest expectations. Stemming from a remarkable college tenure at the University of Virginia, where he spent four years, Harris was a two-time All-ACC member and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014 after leading Virginia to a stellar 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen in his senior season.
Despite his college successes, Harris struggled to find his footing in the NBA during his initial seasons with the Cavaliers, experiencing limited minutes and opportunities to showcase his potential.
Transition to Brooklyn and Breakthrough
A turning point came in 2016 when Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic but was waived the same day. This disappointment was short-lived as Harris signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his professional career.
In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, gradually carving out a role for himself. Two seasons later, he firmly established himself as a starting player, boasting an impressive average of 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with a remarkable 47.4 percent.
A Career Defined by Sharpshooting
Harris’ proficiency from beyond the arc defined much of his career. He retires with a 43.5 percent shooting percentage from three-point range, the fifth highest in NBA history. This exceptional skill was further highlighted during the 2019 All-Star Weekend when he won the Three-Point Contest, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s elite shooters.
The 2020-21 season was particularly notable for Harris as he led the league again in three-point shooting percentage, this time while averaging 14.1 points per game. His performance was instrumental for the Nets, a team that featured superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden during that period.
Challenges and Perseverance
Like many athletes, Harris faced significant challenges throughout his career. Two ankle surgeries limited him to just 14 games in one season, a significant setback for any player. Nevertheless, Harris made a commendable return to the Nets, continuing to contribute whenever he was on the court.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons, bringing new hopes for another impactful chapter in his career. However, a shoulder sprain limited him to only 16 games with the Pistons before being waived at the trade deadline.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Career
Looking back, Joe Harris’ career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, along with a 47.9 percent field goal percentage, illustrate a player who consistently played his role to perfection. Beyond the statistics, Harris was a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams, providing stability and scoring prowess that his coaches and teammates could rely on.
Now, as Harris steps away from professional basketball, he does so with a wealth of achievements and contributions to the teams he played for, especially the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent the majority of his career. His retirement marks the end of a chapter not only for him but for all those who admired his talent and dedication on the court.
While his time in the NBA comes to an end, Joe Harris leaves behind a legacy of resilience, skill, and remarkable three-point shooting that will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.