What can the Sixers expect from the sophomore players?

What can the Sixers expect from the sophomore players: Isaiah Joe

Isaiah Joe didn’t just open the door when opportunity knocked this preseason, he broke the whole door down.

The sharpshooter from Arkansas shot a ridiculous 60 percent from three on almost seven threes per game in four preseason matches. As a result, he averaged an impressive 16.8 points per game.

However, we knew Isaiah Joe could shoot from the time he was drafted. Signs of improvement in his band handling and defense were just as impressive.

For a young shooter, being able to drive as a counter to teams running you off the three-point line is pivotal. Joe was able to show off this ability throughout the preseason. He routinely was able to get to the basket, take pull ups, and even made some nice passes to teammates, including a great alley-oop to Andre Drummond.

Joe also showed off his ability as a defender. The second-year player has long arms and can be a gritty defender. Head coach Doc Rivers has seen how Joe has improved on this side of the ball firsthand.

“He’s stronger than he was last year… He’s crafty, he’s tough, he’ll fight…he’s not going to give in. And that’s what I like about him,” says coach Rivers, per Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice

The way Joe is playing should make it extremely hard for Rivers to keep him off the floor. He has a real chance to steal minutes from players like Furkan Korkmaz and Shake Milton immediately. His shooting can create space for teammates such as Maxey, Joel, Tobias Harris, and Drummond. There’s no reason for Joe to be anything except a major player for this team’s bench squad.