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NBA Draft: 76ers Reportedly Made a Promise to Arkansas' Isaiah Joe

The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly made a promise to Arkansas prospect Isaiah Joe ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Justin Grasso

Making promises to NBA Draft prospects is nothing new to the Philadelphia 76ers. Just last year, the Sixers told Washington guard Matisse Thybulle they would do all they can to make him a member of the Sixers on draft night in 2019.

Sure enough, after moving up in the first round through a trade with the Boston Celtics, the Sixers selected Matisse Thybulle. This year, Philly might not have guaranteed anything to any suspected first-round prospects, but one of their possible second-round picks reportedly received a promise earlier this year.

According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, the Sixers told Arkansas guard Isaiah Joe that they will draft him on Wednesday night. While Joe is more than likely going to be on the board for the Sixers' first pick at No. 21, the Arkansas product could very well still be available for their next selection at No. 34.

The 21-year-old Arkansas native just wrapped up his sophomore season with the Razorbacks this past year. He started in 25 of 26 games and averaged a career-high of 16.9 points-per-game. 

As a two-year starter, Joe has knocked down an average of 38-percent of his three-point shots, which is a good sign for the Sixers, who will likely look for the best shooters in the draft this season.

While Joe reportedly received a promise from Philly leading up to the draft, the timing of when it happened could be critical. Before this month, Sixers General Manager Elton Brand was in control of basketball operations. 

Now, with Daryl Morey running the show, a lot could've changed. If Joe is available early in the second round, don't be surprised to the Sixers snag him as he fills a need for the team. However, despite being made a promise, it's doubtful the Sixers reach on Joe for their first pick.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA  Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation.  Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association.  Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA

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