Joe Harris, the sharpshooting forward renowned for his proficiency from beyond the arc, has announced his retirement from the NBA, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year career. Harris, now 32, leaves behind a legacy underscored by precision shooting and perseverance through adversity.
Harris was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft after an illustrious college career at the University of Virginia. In his time with the Cavaliers, Harris was a two-time All-ACC member and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014, leading the team to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance during his senior season.
Initially, Harris found himself struggling for minutes in Cleveland, experiencing limited playing time over his first two NBA seasons. In 2016, he was traded to the Orlando Magic, only to be waived the same day. A pivotal moment in Harris' career came when he was signed by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
With the Nets, Harris's career began to flourish. His first season saw him averaging 22 minutes per game, a significant jump from his time in Cleveland. By his third season with Brooklyn, Harris had cemented his place as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league with an impressive 47.4% shooting percentage from three-point range.
The 2020-21 season marked a high point in Harris's career. He once again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game, contributing to a formidable Nets lineup that included superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden. Harris was instrumental in the Nets' success during this period, and his contributions were recognized when he won the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend.
However, Harris's career was not without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in one subsequent season. Despite these setbacks, Harris made a resilient return to the Nets. But the trials didn't end there. In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where his tenure was cut short by a shoulder sprain, restricting him to just 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline.
Over the course of his career, Harris featured prominently on several playoff-bound Nets teams, bringing reliability and a lethal shooting touch to the floor. His career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game come with an impressive 47.9% field goal percentage. Notably, Harris finishes his career with a three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%, the fifth-highest in NBA history, a testament to his exceptional marksmanship.
As Harris steps away from professional basketball, he leaves behind a profound impact, particularly on the Brooklyn Nets franchise. His journey from a fringe player in Cleveland to a key starter for playoff contenders in Brooklyn is a narrative of perseverance and skill.
Joe Harris's retirement will certainly be felt by his teammates, coaches, and fans who have witnessed his growth and contributions over the last decade. Harris's ability to overcome adversity and excel will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of players.