Joe Harris Announces Retirement After Remarkable 10-Year NBA Career
In a significant development for basketball enthusiasts, Joe Harris has announced his retirement from the NBA, concluding a distinguished decade-long career. Harris, widely recognized for his sharpshooting abilities, will be stepping away from professional basketball at the age of 32.
Harris spent the majority of his professional journey with the Brooklyn Nets, where he established himself as one of the league’s premier three-point specialists. Retiring with a stellar 43.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, Harris ranks fifth in NBA history in this category, a testament to his consistent and exceptional marksmanship.
Harris' career began when he was selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft. After spending four years at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014, Harris entered the professional arena. His collegiate career was notable for leading Virginia to an impressive 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during his senior season.
However, his initial years in the NBA with the Cavaliers were marked by limited playing time. Harris' fortunes began to change after being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016 and subsequently being waived the same day. This led to a pivotal moment in his career when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016 offseason.
The Nets provided Harris with the platform to showcase his talent. In his first season with Brooklyn, he averaged 22 minutes per game. By his third season, Harris had secured a spot as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game while leading the league in three-point shooting with a remarkable 47.4%. His proficiency from long range was further highlighted in the 2020-21 season, where he again led the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game.
Harris’ role in the Nets’ roster was crucial, especially during the 2020-21 season, which featured the formidable trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Harris himself. Despite his contributions, Harris' career wasn’t without its challenges. He underwent two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. Nevertheless, Harris made a commendable return to the Nets post-surgeries.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Unfortunately, his stint with the Pistons was short-lived due to a shoulder sprain that restricted him to 16 games before being waived at the trade deadline. Through these ups and downs, Harris remained a beloved figure in the NBA community.
One of the highlights of Harris’ career was winning the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's elite shooters. Across his career, Harris maintained averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game, with a commendable 47.9% field goal percentage.
Reflecting on his journey, Harris’ announcement marks the end of an era for a player who was a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams. His retirement is a moment to celebrate a career defined by hard work, resilience, and outstanding shooting prowess.
As Harris steps away from professional basketball, his impact on the court, particularly his contributions to the Brooklyn Nets and his remarkable shooting achievements, will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. Joe Harris leaves the NBA as an exemplary figure of professionalism and excellence, who inspired many with his dedication to the sport.