Joe Harris Announces Retirement After a Decade in the NBA
Veteran sharpshooter Joe Harris has decided to hang up his sneakers, concluding a distinguished 10-year NBA career. Harris, 32, made his mark as one of the game's most reliable three-point specialists, ending his career with a 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, the fifth highest in NBA history.
Harris' journey in the NBA began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. Though he saw limited playing time during his initial two seasons with the Cavaliers, he laid the groundwork for what would become a prolific career.
After a brief and uneventful tenure with the Orlando Magic, where he was traded and waived on the same day in 2016, Harris found a more permanent home with the Brooklyn Nets. Signing with the Nets later that same offseason proved to be a pivotal move for both Harris and the organization.
In his first season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, showcasing his potential as a valuable rotation player. By his third season, he had ascended to a full-time starting role, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league in three-point shooting with an impressive 47.4% success rate. His defining season came in 2020-21, where he once again topped the league in three-point shooting percentage and posted a career-high average of 14.1 points per game.
Harris played a significant role in multiple playoff runs for the Nets, particularly during the 2020-21 season when he lined up alongside superstar teammates Kevin Durant and James Harden. However, his career was not without its setbacks. Harris underwent two ankle surgeries, which limited him to just 14 games in one season. Demonstrating resilience, he returned to the Nets' roster to continue contributing on the court.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, his time with the Pistons was short-lived, as a shoulder sprain limited him to 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline.
Before turning pro, Harris spent four years at the University of Virginia, where he established himself as one of the top players in college basketball. He was a two-time All-ACC member and earned a place on the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014, eventually winning the ACC Tournament MVP honors the same year. Harris played a crucial role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
Harris also made a mark on the NBA beyond regular-season play. At the 2019 All-Star Weekend, he showcased his shooting prowess by winning the Three-Point Contest, adding another highlight to his decorated career.
Reflecting on a career filled with highs and noteworthy achievements, Harris retires with career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, along with an impressive 47.9% field goal percentage. His contributions to his teams, particularly the Brooklyn Nets, and his excellence in three-point shooting, will long be remembered by fans and the basketball community.
At 32 years old, Joe Harris has decided to step away from professional basketball. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw him overcome early career challenges to become one of the NBA's most respected three-point shooters. Harris' legacy will remain, not only in the record books but also in the memories of those who watched and admired his dedication and skill on the court.