The Brooklyn Nets have gone through several talented groups of players since moving to the New York City borough in 2012. From all-time greats like Brook Lopez to Kevin Durant, Nets fans have grown fond of legends who have made their mark through their exceptional play and personalities. However, former sharpshooter Joe Harris moved fans in a unique way.
The Nets traded Joe Harris to the Detroit Pistons during the summer of 2023, which marked an end to his seven-year tenure in Brooklyn. After just one season in Detroit, Harris' NBA career is coming to an end. Shams Charania of The Athletic announced that Harris is retiring from basketball.
Harris joined the Nets in 2016 as a diamond-in-the-rough G League pickup from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Harris became one of General Manager Sean Marks' underrated, but highly regarded moves. After showing promise, Harris earned a prominent role in Brooklyn's offense. He averaged 8.2 points and shot 38.5 percent on three-pointers during his first year with the Nets. Harris continued to improve, bracing himself for a breakout during the iconic 2018-19 season.
The former Virginia Cavalier averaged 13.7 points and shot 47.4 percent from deep range. He helped the Nets make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. By this time, Harris had grown into a starter and one of the best shooters in the league. His role decreased slightly when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving joined the team, but he remained as stout as ever.
Harris averaged 14.1 points and shot a career-high 47.5 percent on three-pointers during the 2020-21 season. Ironically, that year's postseason saw Harris endure a shooting slump that many fans are distraught over. Harris shot just 32.7 percent from range in 2021's Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his down moments, Nets fans will never forget the overall impact Harris made in Brooklyn.
Fans fondly reflect on Joe Harris' Nets tenure after retirement
Harris' retirement was shocking, given that he was just 10 years into his NBA career. The announcement drew mixed reactions, but several fans acknowledged his greatness and the memories he helped create.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) called Harris a "Nets GOAT" while another deemed him a "Brooklyn legend." Harris' exceptional three-point shooting abilities even earned him a "three-point merchant" compliment.
Another user was so distraught that he claimed he fell on his knees in Walmart when he heard about Harris' announcement.
Of course, some fans harshly reflected on Harris' notorious shooting slump against the Bucks, but at the end of the day, it is all love from Brooklyn.
Nets fans will never forget playmakers finding Harris on all sides of the three-point line for a catch-and-shoot three, which was usually proceeded by an emphatic "Joey Buckets!" exclamation from YES Network broadcaster Ian Eagle.
Joe Harris' play in the NBA may be over, but the time he spent in Brooklyn will live in Nets fans' hearts for a long time.