Joe Harris Announces Retirement After Storied NBA Career
Joe Harris, a sharpshooting forward who played the majority of his 10-year career with the Brooklyn Nets, has announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 32. Known for his impressive accuracy from beyond the arc, Harris leaves a lasting legacy with a 43.5% career three-point shooting percentage, the fifth highest in NBA history.
Early Years and College Success
Harris’ journey to professional basketball began at the University of Virginia, where he played four productive years. During his time with the Cavaliers, Harris became a key figure, earning two All-ACC honors and leading the team to significant victories. In his senior season, he was instrumental in Virginia’s successful 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen. His outstanding performance throughout the 2014 ACC Tournament earned him a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team and the accolade of ACC Tournament MVP.
NBA Beginnings and Growth with the Brooklyn Nets
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris found limited opportunities in his first two seasons. Subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016, Harris was waived the same day, an early setback in his professional career. However, his fortunes changed when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
With the Nets, Harris began to flourish, making a significant impact on the team. In his first season, he averaged 22 minutes per game, a stark contrast to his previous NBA experience. By the 2018-19 season, Harris had cemented his position as a full-time starter. Showcasing his exceptional shooting ability, he averaged 13.7 points per game and led the entire league in three-point shooting with an impressive 47.4% accuracy.
Peak Performance and Challenges
The pinnacle of Harris’ career came during the 2020-21 NBA season. Playing alongside stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden, Harris led the league once again in three-point shooting percentage and achieved a career-high average of 14.1 points per game. His contributions were pivotal in establishing the Nets as a formidable playoff contender during his tenure.
Unfortunately, Harris’ momentum was disrupted by health issues. He underwent two significant ankle surgeries, limiting his appearances to just 14 games in the subsequent season. Despite these challenges, Harris managed to return to the Nets, continuing to provide his trademark shooting prowess.
Final Season and Legacy
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. However, a shoulder sprain severely curtailed his playing time, restricting him to only 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline. Despite this, Harris' career remained decorated with personal and team achievements.
Harris also made his mark in All-Star Weekend history, winning the Three-Point Contest in 2019, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best shooters of his generation.
Reflecting on his career, Harris retires with career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, amassing a 47.9% field goal percentage. His shooting excellence and contributions to the Brooklyn Nets’ playoff runs will be fondly remembered by fans and teammates alike.
As Harris steps away from professional basketball, he leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, skill, and a dedication to his craft. A true testament to the impact of hard work and resilience, Joe Harris’ NBA journey will remain an inspiring narrative for future generations.