Joe Harris Announces Retirement from NBA After 10-Year Career
After a distinguished 10-year career, Joe Harris has officially announced his retirement from the NBA. Harris, who spent the majority of his time with the Brooklyn Nets, leaves behind a legacy marked by remarkable three-point shooting and consistent playmaking.
Harris, renowned for his sharpshooting prowess, concluded his career with an impressive 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, placing him fifth highest in NBA history. Throughout his career, he averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, while maintaining a 47.9% overall field goal percentage. These statistics reflect his role as a reliable offensive player who contributed significantly to his teams.
Early Career Beginnings
Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris initially faced challenges in securing a substantial role on the team. During his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, he experienced limited playing time, which hindered his ability to showcase his talents. However, the trade to the Orlando Magic in 2016, though brief and ending in his waiver, set the stage for the turning point in his career.
Rise with the Brooklyn Nets
Harris signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason, a move that would define the peak of his career. In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, gradually solidifying his position within the team. Within two seasons, he emerged as a full-time starter, contributing 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with an astonishing 47.4% accuracy.
Harris’ 2020-21 season was particularly noteworthy, as he again led the league in three-point shooting percentage. He averaged 14.1 points per game, becoming an integral part of a Nets team that featured stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden. His shooting accuracy and ability to perform in high-stakes games made him a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams.
Enduring Challenges and Injuries
Despite his successes, Harris faced significant challenges, including undergoing two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Demonstrating resilience, he returned to the Nets, continuing to play at a high level post-recovery. However, his career faced another setback when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in July 2023. A shoulder sprain further reduced his playing time, limiting him to 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline.
Memorable Achievements
Among Harris’ many accomplishments, winning the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend stands out. This victory underscored his reputation as one of the premier shooters in the league, cementing his status among the NBA’s elite marksmen.
College Roots and Early Recognition
Harris’ basketball journey began long before his NBA career. He spent four years at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member. In his senior year, he played a crucial role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the All-ACC Tournament team and the ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014.
Legacy and Retirement
At 32 years old, Joe Harris has decided to retire from professional basketball. His consistent performance, especially as a critical player for the Brooklyn Nets, garnered respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike. Harris’ ability to rebound from setbacks and injuries exemplified his dedication and passion for the sport.
Joe Harris’ retirement marks the end of a notable chapter in the NBA. His career serves as an inspiration to many aspiring basketball players, demonstrating that perseverance, hard work, and skill can lead to lasting success. As he steps away from the court, Harris leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a benchmark for future generations of sharpshooters to aspire to.