A Decade of Excellence: Joe Harris Retires from the NBA
After a remarkable 10-year career, Joe Harris has announced his retirement from the NBA, leaving behind a legacy of sharpshooting and resilience. Harris, at 32 years old, decided to step away from professional basketball, concluding a journey that saw him climb from a second-round draft pick to one of the league's most reliable three-point shooters.
Harris entered the NBA when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Although his initial seasons in Cleveland saw him with limited playing opportunities, his persistence and dedication laid a foundation for future success. During his short stint with the Cavaliers, Harris experienced the highs and lows of the league, including being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016 and waived the same day.
However, Harris’s fortunes changed dramatically after signing with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason. In Brooklyn, he found a home where he could thrive. Harris's first season with the Nets saw him averaging 22 minutes per game, a significant increase from his time in Cleveland. By his third season, he had secured a starting role and was making his mark on the league.
In the 2018-19 season, Harris averaged an impressive 13.7 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting with a stellar 47.4% accuracy from beyond the arc. This performance was a prelude to his pinnacle during the 2020-21 season when he again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game. Notably, he was a crucial part of a formidable Nets lineup that included superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden.
Over his career, Harris boasted a 43.5% shooting percentage from three-point range, making him the fifth most accurate three-point shooter in NBA history. His overall career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, along with a 47.9% field goal percentage, speak volumes about his consistency and efficiency as a player.
Harris’s basketball journey began long before his NBA debut. He spent four years at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member and an integral part of the Cavaliers' success. In his senior year, he was named to the All-ACC Tournament team and earned the ACC Tournament MVP honors. Harris played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.
His contributions to the Nets were further highlighted when he won the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, showcasing his exceptional shooting skills on a national stage. Despite his incredible shooting ability, Harris's career was also marked by his resilience in the face of injuries. He underwent two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Yet, his determination saw him return to the Nets and continue contributing at a high level.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain restricted him to merely 16 games with the team before he was waived at the trade deadline. The culmination of injuries and the toll they took on his body ultimately led to his decision to retire from the game.
Joe Harris’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who became a fan favorite for his precision shooting and unyielding work ethic. His journey, characterized by overcoming early career setbacks and establishing himself as a top-tier shooter, serves as an inspiration to many young players. As Harris steps away from professional basketball, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and perseverance that will be remembered by fans and peers alike.