Joe Harris Now First in 3-Point Makes in Nets History

After nearly being out of the NBA just five years ago, Joe Harris has now made the most 3-pointers in Brooklyn Nets history with 816 makes.

If you had said back in 2016 that Harris would pass Jason Kidd or Vince Carter in any category in Nets history, then people would think you’re crazy.

“If J-Kidd was playing in this day in age, he would’ve made a lot more threes,” Harris said after passing Kidd on the all-time 3-point makes list in franchise history.

Earning His Spot

After an unsuccessful season and a half run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Harris was dealt to the Orlando Magic in January 2016, but was immediately waived.

In the offseason of that year, the Nets took a flyer on Harris, who was recovering from surgery which removed an extra bone in his right foot.

Nothing was guaranteed for Harris heading into the season, but he immediately showcased his potential for his new team, scoring 16 points including 4-of-9 shooting from three in the Nets’ opening night loss to the Boston Celtics.

Harris’s first season in Brooklyn didn’t necessarily catch many people’s attention, but in the years that followed, Harris continuously showed improvement, as he significantly increased his points per game and shooting averages.

Harris’s breakthrough really came during the 2018-19 season, as he averaged a then career-high 13.7 points per game including 47.5 percent shooting from three.

As a result of his performance, Harris was invited to participate in the 2019 3-point contest, as he won the contest over Stephen Curry, who is easily the best 3-point shooter of all-time.

Additionally, Harris became an integral part of a likable team across the league that included D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen.

The Nets defied all odds that season and made the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, finishing with a 42-40 record.

Sticking Through it All

Outside of Harris, nobody on that 2018-19 Nets roster is currently on the team.
The Nets are fortunate enough to now boast Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving (if he returns) on their roster, but unfortunately, that has led the organization to make some tough decisions to trade off some of their more popular players or let them walk in free agency.

Harris is the one player on the current roster who holds the distinction of being on the Nets when they were the laughingstock of the league to all of a sudden being on a powerhouse team in a span of five years.

As a result of the roster turnover, Harris’s production has only increased, as his points per game average has slightly increased while maintaining a high percentage of his makes from downtown.

“It’s more about the people who are around you that make the individual player,” Harris said. “Coming here and having a lot of great coaches and teammates, that’s what fosters great individual talent.”

Durant, Harden and Irving are all going to attract so much defensive attention with what they can bring offensively on a nightly basis, and with Harris willing to play the role as primarily a catch-and-shoot specialist, that makes him a perfect fit for this roster.

If the Nets end up winning the championship this season, or in the next couple, then it’d only feel right to have Harris be a part of it.