After a remarkable 10-year career in the NBA, Joe Harris has officially announced his retirement. The seasoned sharpshooter made a name for himself primarily with the Brooklyn Nets, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the league's premier three-point marksmen.
Harris' journey began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. His rookie and sophomore seasons in Cleveland saw limited playtime, and after a brief stint where he was traded to the Orlando Magic and subsequently waived, Harris found a new home with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason.
His initial season in Brooklyn provided a platform to showcase his skills, averaging 22 minutes per game. By the 2018-19 season, Harris had cemented his place as a full-time starter. That year, he averaged 13.7 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting with an impressive 47.4%. The following season, he elevated his game even further, topping the league's charts again in three-point shooting percentage and averaging 14.1 points per game.
Harris' sharpshooting prowess was undoubtedly a cornerstone for the Nets during a time when they boasted a formidable roster featuring the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden. Despite the firepower on the team, Harris carved out a pivotal role, often taking and making crucial shots in high-pressure situations.
However, Harris’ career wasn’t without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. His resilience and determination saw him rebound from these setbacks, returning to contribute to the Nets once again. Unfortunately, his tenure with the team would eventually come to an end when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in July 2023.
Harris’ stint with the Pistons was short-lived. A shoulder sprain limited him to 16 games, and by the trade deadline, he was waived by the team. At the age of 32, with a career marked by impressive highs and challenging lows, Harris decided it was time to step away from professional basketball.
Throughout his career, Harris boasted a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, ranking him fifth highest in NBA history. His career averages stand at a respectable 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. Beyond the statistics, Harris was known for his work ethic, professionalism, and his ability to make clutch shots.
Before his NBA journey, Harris had a stellar collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where he spent four years. He was a two-time All-ACC member and was named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014, earning ACC Tournament MVP honors the same year. His leadership and talent were instrumental in guiding Virginia to an impressive 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
One of the highlights of Harris’ career was his victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, a testament to his exceptional shooting ability. As a key contributor to several playoff-bound Nets teams, Harris has left an indelible mark on the franchise and the league as a whole.
While Joe Harris may no longer be lighting up the scoreboard, his impact on the game and the memories he created for fans will endure long after his final shot. His story is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, embodying the ethos of a true professional athlete.