Isaiah Joe has Become the OKC Thunder's Perfect Sixth Man

After a breakout season in 2023, Isaiah Joe has turned into OKC's ideal complementary piece.

The Thunder’s future is bright, and Isaiah Joe could be the key for them to go from good to great.

The starting lineup in Oklahoma City is all but set heading into next season. A combination of offensive and defensive firepower will set the Thunder up from the tip. But having someone who can complement that group and hold down the fort when they rest is just as important.

Joe was a pleasant surprise for the Thunder last season after the Philadelphia 76ers cut him just before the beginning of the season. Oklahoma City almost immediately picked him up, and he eventually found a spot in the rotation.

Joe’s ability to space the floor and give OKC a reliable 3-point shooter added another element to the team’s offense. Most importantly, he could take pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by forcing defenders to stay close and open his driving lanes. That spacing alone is a valuable asset for any team, but it becomes instrumental with an elite scorer who likes to attack the paint.

After shooting 40% from deep on five attempts per game last season, Joe’s shooting garners the most attention. However, his skillset goes far beyond his great shooting.

Over the last couple of months of the season, Joe had to take on a more significant role in some games. When Gilgeous-Alexander missed time after the all-star break, Joe was thrust into the starting lineup for most of that five-game stretch.

Joe averaged 18.4 points and shot 43.5% from beyond the arc on nine attempts. Ultimately, those games highlighted what he could do when he sees the ball in his hands more, a crucial quality for a prototypical sixth man.

Although he has a well-rounded offensive skillset, Joe is still no Lou Williams. Fortunately, the Thunder don’t need him to be.

Looking at the team's core, Joe likely falls into being the fifth offensive option, at best, if the team is healthy. Ideally, the Thunder will primarily need him to roam the 3-point line and hit his shots when he gets the ball.

On the other end, Joe is an average defender, but he embodies what OKC is all about. Just like his teammates, Joe is willing to sacrifice his body and put in the effort to help his team win. He finished in the top 10 of charges drawn last season, behind Kenrich Williams and league-leader Jaylin Williams.

Given his offensive abilities and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win, Joe has molded into exactly what the Thunder need from a sixth man.

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