Joe Harris, the sharpshooting guard known for his impeccable three-point accuracy, has announced his retirement from the NBA after an illustrious 10-year career. Harris, whose journey saw him rise from limited playing time to a key starter on playoff teams, leaves behind a memorable legacy in professional basketball.
Harris, who spent most of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, retires with a remarkable 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, placing him fifth in NBA history for three-point shooting. This statistic underscores his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable marksmen.
Early Career and Draft
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris faced challenges early on, experiencing limited minutes during his first two seasons. Nevertheless, his time at the University of Virginia had already showcased his potential. During his four years with the Cavaliers, Harris earned two All-ACC selections and was named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014, the same year he secured the ACC Tournament MVP honors. He played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in his senior season.
Journey Through the NBA
Harris's career took a pivotal turn in 2016 when he was traded to the Orlando Magic, only to be waived on the same day. Undeterred, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason, where he would eventually carve out his NBA legacy. In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the team.
Two seasons later, Harris solidified his position as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league with a 47.4% three-point shooting percentage. His prowess from deep earned him the victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend.
The 2020-21 season saw Harris continue to shine, leading the league once again in three-point shooting percentage and averaging 14.1 points per game. He was an integral part of the Nets team, which also featured superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden. However, his career was not without its setbacks. Harris underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Despite these challenges, he made a commendable return to the Nets.
Final Chapter
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain restricted him to only 16 games with the team before being waived at the trade deadline. These physical setbacks ultimately led to his decision to retire at the age of 32.
Throughout his career, Harris averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with a 47.9% shooting percentage from the field. His contributions were particularly felt during his time with the Nets, where he was a key starter on multiple playoff-bound teams.
As Harris steps away from professional basketball, he takes with him not only impressive stats but also the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike. His journey from a second-round pick to one of the most efficient three-point shooters in NBA history is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and skill.
Joe Harris's retirement marks the end of a noteworthy chapter in NBA history, but his legacy as a three-point specialist will endure, inspiring future generations of basketball players.