Joe Harris Retires After a Decade-Long NBA Career
After a 10-year career marked by sharpshooting and resilience, Joe Harris has announced his retirement from the NBA at the age of 32. Harris, who spent the majority of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets, leaves behind a legacy underscored by precision from beyond the arc and an instrumental role in team success.
Harris’ departure from the league brings to a close a career that began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite experiencing limited minutes in his first two seasons with the Cavaliers, Harris' journey is a testament to perseverance and skill development at the highest level.
In his collegiate days at the University of Virginia, Harris was already showcasing his talent. He spent four years with the Cavaliers, earning two-time All-ACC honors and being named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014. That same year, he led Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, capping off his senior season with the ACC Tournament MVP honors.
Although Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016 and waived the same day, his fortunes turned when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason. It was here where Harris found his stride, averaging 22 minutes per game in his first season. His role with the Nets would continue to grow, eventually seeing him emerge as a full-time starter and three-point shooting sensation.
Harris' transformation was highlighted during the 2018-19 season, where he averaged 13.7 points per game and led the league in three-point shooting with an impressive 47.4%. His prowess from behind the arc culminated in winning the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend. The following season saw Harris continue his excellence, leading the league again in three-point shooting percentage while averaging 14.1 points per game. His efforts placed him among the NBA's elite shooters, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%, the fifth highest in NBA history.
Harris played a vital role in several playoff-bound Nets teams, including the 2020-21 squad featuring Kevin Durant and James Harden. However, his career was not without its challenges. Harris underwent two ankle surgeries, limiting him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Despite these setbacks, he made a commendable return to the Nets, showcasing his resilience once more.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, a shoulder sprain limited his contributions to just 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline. Reflecting on his decade-long career, Harris decided to step away from professional basketball.
Joe Harris retires with career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, boasting an overall field goal percentage of 47.9%. He was not only a pivotal player for the teams he represented but also a model of dedication and hard work for aspiring athletes. His ability to continually adapt and elevate his game, especially his commanding presence from three-point range, leaves an indelible mark on the NBA.
As Harris transitions into the next phase of his life, his journey from a UVA standout to an NBA luminary serves as a reminder of the impact of determination and perseverance. The league bids farewell to one of its premier shooters, whose contributions from beyond the arc will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike.