Joe Harris, one of the NBA's most proficient sharpshooters, has decided to hang up his sneakers after a noteworthy 10-year career. Known for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, Harris retires as one of the game’s elite shooters, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 43.5%, ranking fifth in NBA history.
Harris made his mark primarily with the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent the bulk of his professional years, becoming a fan favorite and a fixture in the team's starting lineup. Selected 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Harris' early career was characterized by limited playing time. After spending his first two seasons with the Cavs, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2016, only to be waived on the same day.
The turning point in Harris' career came when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2016 offseason. In his debut season with the Nets, Harris averaged 22 minutes per game, displaying glimpses of his potential. Two seasons later, he firmly established himself as a full-time starter, posting an impressive average of 13.7 points per game and leading the league with a staggering 47.4% three-point shooting percentage.
Harris' peak came during the 2020-21 season, where he once again topped the league in three-point shooting percentage and averaged 14.1 points per game. That season, he was part of a formidable Nets lineup that included superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden. Unfortunately, Harris' career was marred by injuries, including two ankle surgeries that limited him to just 14 games in a subsequent season. After a determined recovery, he returned to the Nets, a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game.
Before his ascent in the professional ranks, Harris had an illustrious college career at the University of Virginia. During his four years with the Cavaliers, he was a two-time All-ACC member and played an instrumental role in leading the team to a 30-7 record, an ACC Conference championship, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in his senior season. Harris' collegiate accolades include being named to the All-ACC Tournament team in 2014 and earning the coveted ACC Tournament MVP honors the same year.
In July 2023, Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons, marking the final chapter of his NBA journey. However, a shoulder sprain restricted him to just 16 games before he was waived at the trade deadline. At 32 years old, Harris decided to retire from professional basketball, closing the book on a decade-long career that saw him rise from a role player to one of the most accurate shooters the league has ever seen.
Beyond his shooting prowess, Harris’ NBA journey is a narrative of perseverance and hard work. His recognition was cemented during the 2019 All-Star Weekend, where he emerged victorious in the Three-Point Contest, further solidifying his status as one of the premier shooters in the league. Throughout his tenure with the Nets, Harris was a key starter on several playoff-bound teams, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor.
Harris' legacy lies not just in his shooting statistics but also in his unwavering commitment to his teams and his ability to overcome professional setbacks. As fans reflect on his career, Joe Harris will be remembered as an exemplary professional who consistently brought dedication, skill, and resilience to the court.