NBA
Why did Joe Harris retire at just 32 years old?
He won the Three-Point Contest during the 2019 All-Star Weekend and was a key starter on multiple playoff teams while with the Brooklyn Nets.
The “three-pointer” stands 198 cm tall and has spent a decade playing in the NBA. His journey began in 2014 when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the 33rd pick.
He remained in Ohio until 2016 and then moved to the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent most of his career.
Harris was traded to the Detroit Pistons before the start of the last season in exchange for two second-round draft picks and additional compensation. Unfortunately, he was released by the “Car City” franchise in February. One of Harris’ most notable achievements was winning the three-point competition at the all-star weekend in Charlotte in 2019.
Known for his prowess in long-range shooting, Harris ranks fifth on the all-time list of the most accurate three-point shooters, with a 43.6 percent success rate. He would be at the top of that ranking if you exclude those with less than 1,000 attempts.
What are the reasons behind his retirement?
After undergoing a botched ankle surgery in the 2022 season, which put him out for the entire year, Harris’s performance was permanently affected. He only played 14 games after undergoing two ankle surgeries. Following his return to the Nets the following year, he maintained high accuracy and efficiency as a 3-point threat but was traded to the Detroit Pistons in July 2023.
After being out of action for about two years, Harris experienced a shoulder injury while with the Pistons. Due in part to a shoulder sprain, he only played 16 games and was waived by the team at the trade deadline last season.
At just 32 years old, he likely could’ve played for several more years if he wanted to, but it seems he’s content with his time in the NBA.