Joe Harris has bid farewell to the NBA, closing the chapter on a commendable 10-year career. The sharpshooting guard, known for his precision from beyond the arc, retires with a 43.5% three-point shooting percentage, placing him fifth all-time in NBA history. Harris' journey through the league is a testament to resilience and consistent performance, primarily with the Brooklyn Nets, where he solidified his reputation as one of the premier shooters of his era.
Harris' path to NBA stardom was not immediate. Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, he spent his first two seasons in Cleveland with limited playing time. His early career in the NBA posed challenges, but his talent was never in doubt. Before his NBA stint, Harris shone brightly at the University of Virginia, where he was a two-time All-ACC member. His senior season was particularly stellar as he led Virginia to a 30-7 record, an ACC Championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, earning himself the ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2014.
In 2016, Harris' career trajectory took a significant turn. After a brief and uneventful trade to the Orlando Magic, he was waived the same day. The Brooklyn Nets seized the opportunity, signing him during the offseason. This move proved to be pivotal for Harris and the Nets. In his first season with Brooklyn, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, demonstrating his value on the court. Two seasons later, he had become a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points per game and leading the league with an astonishing 47.4% from three-point range.
The 2020-21 season was a high point in Harris' career. Playing alongside stars like Kevin Durant and James Harden, Harris yet again led the league in three-point shooting percentage, averaging 14.1 points per game. His role was crucial in making the Nets a formidable playoff contender. Unfortunately, his momentum was stymied by injuries. Following two ankle surgeries, Harris was limited to just 14 games in the ensuing season. Despite these setbacks, he made a resilient return to the Nets, proving his dedication to the game and his team.
Harris' tenure with Brooklyn came to an end in July 2023 when he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. However, his time with the Pistons was short-lived due to a shoulder sprain that restricted him to 16 games. He was waived at the trade deadline, marking the start of the final chapter of his professional career.
At 32 years old, after navigating a career marked by both impressive highs and challenging lows, Harris made the decision to retire. His legacy includes not only his remarkable skill as a shooter but also his role as a key starter on several playoff-bound Nets teams. More than just a three-point specialist, Harris exemplified perseverance and professionalism, characteristics that endeared him to teammates, fans, and the broader basketball community.
One of the highlights of Harris' career was his victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, a testament to his shooting prowess. This accolade, among others, cements his place as one of the elite shooters in NBA history.
As Joe Harris steps away from professional basketball, the NBA bids farewell to a player whose career, though not without its hurdles, will be remembered for its exemplary shooting accuracy and unwavering dedication to the sport. His contributions to the Brooklyn Nets, in particular, have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Harris retires with career averages of 10.3 points and three rebounds per game along with a commendable 47.9% field goal percentage. His presence on the court, especially his precision from beyond the arc, will be missed by fans and players alike. The story of Joe Harris is a reminder that determination and hard work can carve out a notable career, even when initial opportunities are scarce.