Joe Harris has officially announced his retirement from the NBA, wrapping up a commendable 10-year career in professional basketball. A formidable shooter, Harris etched his name into the league's history books as one of the most accurate three-point shooters ever, finishing with an impressive 43.5% from beyond the arc, which is the fifth highest in NBA history.
Harris spent the bulk of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, becoming a key player for the franchise. Originally selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris had a journey marked by perseverance and continuous improvement. He spent his college years at the University of Virginia, where he was a standout player. Harris was named a two-time All-ACC member and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014. During his senior season, he played a pivotal role in leading Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Although his NBA career began with limited minutes in Cleveland, Harris quickly found his stride after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. His first two seasons with the Cavaliers saw sparse playtime, and after a brief and inconsequential trade to the Orlando Magic, Harris joined the Nets. He averaged 22 minutes per game in his first season with Brooklyn, gradually proving his worth and securing a spot as a full-time starter two seasons later.
During the 2018-19 season, Harris truly came into his own, leading the league in three-point shooting with a remarkable 47.4%. His offensive prowess extended beyond the arc, as he averaged 13.7 points per game that season. Harris further solidified his reputation during the 2020-21 season by again leading the league in three-point shooting percentage and increasing his scoring average to 14.1 points per game. He was a vital component of a Nets team that featured stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly on a stacked roster.
Unfortunately, injuries began to take their toll, and Harris' career faced significant setbacks. He underwent two ankle surgeries which limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Despite these challenges, Harris made a resilient return to the Nets. However, his time with Brooklyn came to an end in July 2023 when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. A shoulder sprain during his stint with the Pistons restricted him to 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline.
Throughout his career, Harris averaged 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with an impressive 47.9% field goal percentage. His skill and reliability from three-point range were highlighted when he won the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, cementing his status as one of the league's premier sharpshooters.
At 32 years old, Harris has decided to step away from professional basketball. His career may not have been filled with marquee headlines, but he consistently delivered high performance and effort, becoming a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams.
Joe Harris' journey from a college standout at Virginia to a renowned NBA marksman is a testament to his dedication, skill, and resilience. As he transitions into retirement, his legacy of accuracy and hard work on the court will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and peers alike.