On a team with big-time names–Harden, Irving, and Durant–it’s tough to make a name for yourself. But Joe Harris has done that … and more. Here’s why.
So there’s this guy on the Brooklyn Nets, and he is severely underrated. You may ask: How is a player underrated on the Nets? Well, let’s say this dude is a vital part of what is going on in Brooklyn. And, yes, I do not forget about the three All-stars on their roster. But this guy opens up more of the floor for those three certain players. He’s a guy who goes by the name of Joe Harris and, if his name resonated with the casual NBA fan, he would be very appreciated.
Joe Harris has always been a great basketball player. His time with Virginia can attest to that. While playing under Tony Bennett, Harris developed into a great two-way player.
On the offensive side of things, Harris became one of the best shooters in college basketball. The way he moved without the ball was just a beautiful thing to witness. And his catch and shoot ability were second to none.
Harris was one of the most efficient players in college basketball during his time at Virginia. After his four-year run at Virginia, and he led the school in three-point percentage (40.7%) and he also led the school in made threes (263). While torturing defenses with his movement without the ball, he was also shutting down people on defense. His 6’6 frame and the way he slid his feet on defense were potent and made a difference.
His stellar career at Virginia led him to get drafted 33rd overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014. Harris would only spend two years with the Cavs and was then traded to the Orlando Magic. But Harris never suited up for the Magic, and he would end up signing with the Nets.
When Harris signed with the Nets, let’s say that the Nets were one of the worst basketball teams in the NBA. The first two years in Brooklyn were tough for Harris. He only averaged close to 10 ppg and only took around eight shots a game.
In the 2018 season, the tide had changed. Brooklyn was made up of young players who had nothing to lose and only confidence to gain. That team finished 42-40 and lost to the Sixers in the first round. Joe Harris went on to average 13.7 ppg while shooting the three-ball at a 47.1% clip. He was a key player, and he is now on this new super team.
Let me break it down as to why Joe Harris is so important to this team.
For starters, Harris is statistically the best three-point shooter in the league. He ranks 1st in three-point percentage at 48.1%. His gravitational pull does wonders and makes it even easier for James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant to create for themselves and others. Joe Harris is a perfect complement to what James Harden and Kyrie Irving like to do on the court. They like to isolate their defender and, when the defense collapses, they pass it to the best three-point shooter in the league (statistically speaking, of course) and be confident that Joe Harris will nail it.
The Brooklyn Nets are indeed one of the best teams in the NBA. Shoot! They ARE the best team in the NBA. And having a sharpshooter in Joe Harris makes them even better. Just watch how he’ll come through in the clutch in the playoffs. After if he does, then some damn respect on his name!
