The Sniper Bids Farewell: Joe Harris Retires from the NBA
Joe Harris, one of the best sharpshooters in the NBA over the past decade, has announced his retirement from professional basketball
The 32-year-old forward, known for his phenomenal three-point shooting accuracy, leaves a lasting legacy in the league after 10 seasons of play.
From Rookie to Star: Joe Harris’s Journey in the NBA
Harris’s NBA journey began in 2014 when he was selected in the second round of the draft, 33rd overall, by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The first two seasons in the league were challenging for Joe: limited playing time and frequent assignments to the Development League prevented him from fully showcasing his potential. However, these difficulties only strengthened the young player’s character and prepared him for future success.
The turning point in Harris’s career came with his move to the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. It was here, under the guidance of a coaching staff that believed in his abilities, that Joe began to evolve into the sharpshooter we know today. With the Nets, Harris gained the opportunity to regularly hit the court and demonstrate his long-range shooting prowess.
Over seven seasons in Brooklyn, Harris became a key player for the team, posting impressive stats: an average of 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. But most importantly, his incredible accuracy stood out: 48.3% shooting from the field and an astonishing 44.0% from beyond the arc. These numbers cemented Harris as one of the most efficient sharpshooters in NBA history.
Golden Era: Three-Point Contest Triumph and League Leadership
The peak of Harris’s career occurred between 2018 and 2021. During this period, he not only became one of the league’s top shooters but also set several impressive records. In the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons, Joe led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, with phenomenal marks of 47.4% and 47.5% respectively. These achievements placed him among the greatest shooters in basketball history.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of Harris’s career was his victory in the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend. Many bookmakers, including Mostbet, did not see Harris as a favorite, but against all odds, he claimed the prestigious award. In an exciting duel, he outscored the legendary Stephen Curry, scoring 26 points to Curry’s 24. This accomplishment not only earned Harris recognition as one of the elite shooters in the league but also made him the first and only Brooklyn Nets player to win this prestigious competition.
Harris’s impact on the game extended far beyond statistics. His ability to stretch the opponent’s defense and create space for his teammates made him a valuable asset to any lineup. This was especially evident with the Brooklyn Nets, where his shooting skills perfectly complemented the play of star teammates like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Decline and Retirement: Harris’s Final Seasons
Despite his impressive success, the last two seasons of Harris’s career were marred by reduced playing time and scoring. In the 2022-23 season, his role with the Nets significantly diminished: his playing time dropped to 20.6 minutes per game, and his scoring average fell to 7.6 points. These changes were due to both injuries and shifts in the team’s roster and strategy.
A subsequent trade to the Detroit Pistons did not improve the situation: last season, Harris played in only 16 games, averaging 2.4 points in 10.6 minutes of playing time. This decline likely played a major role in Harris’s decision to retire.
However, even during these challenging years, Joe continued to demonstrate his professionalism and dedication to the game. He remained a valuable mentor for younger players, sharing his experience and knowledge.
The Sniper’s Legacy: Harris’s Place in NBA History
Joe Harris’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nets fans and lovers of beautiful long-range shooting. His departure is not only a loss for the NBA of a talented player but also a reminder of how quickly a professional athlete’s career can change.
Although the last seasons were not as successful, Harris will forever be remembered by fans as one of the most accurate shooters in league history. At the time of his retirement, he ranks fifth all-time in NBA three-point shooting percentage, trailing only legends like Steve Kerr, Hubert Davis, Luke Kennard, and Dražen Petrović. This achievement places Harris among the greatest sharpshooters of all time.
Harris’s impact on modern basketball is hard to overstate. In an era where three-point shooting has become a key element of offense, his ability to consistently hit long-range shots with high efficiency made him a role model for many young players.
The future of Joe Harris after his playing career is still unknown, but there is no doubt that his experience and knowledge could be highly valued in the basketball world. We may yet see him as a coach or shooting specialist, passing on his expertise to the next generation of NBA players.