Sixers: Ranking each member of the young core

Ranking the Sixers’ young core — 5. Isaiah Joe

By mid-season Isaiah Joe could be entrenched in the rotation and this could look foolish. For now, however, it’s best to read the tea leaves and proceed with caution. The Sixers re-signed Furkan Korkmaz to a three-year, $15 million contract — a clear vote of confidence in the Turkish delight. With Philadelphia’s sights set on winning a championship, the more experienced Korkmaz is likely to outstrip Joe for touches. Doc Rivers even started Korkmaz in the playoffs when Danny Green got hurt.

With that in mind, it’s fair to wonder whether or not Joe’s big break will come in Philadelphia — even if he’s tailor-made for success next to Joel Embiid. Joe is one of the best volume shooters in the NBA, and that’s without much of a professional track record. He averages roughly 10 attempts per 36 minutes from deep, and makes a fair amount of them. Combine that with solid team defense, and Joe is a no-doubt NBA player.

The Sixers should have a spot for Joe long term. Good 3-and-D wings are at a premium, and surprisingly few players can straddle both sides of the coin. Even so, with the Sixers in win-now mode and a real chance he gets buried in the depth chart, Joe can’t slot much higher than this. Not yet, at least.

Doc Rivers is a stubborn coach who traditionally avoids change or risk. That generally does not bode well for young players. Joe is exceptional from 3-point range, and has real stand-out talent, but he’s clearly outside the 10-man rotation right now. How quickly is Rivers willing to adapt before it comes time for Joe (and the Sixers) to decide his future?