It’s felt like the Philadelphia 76ers have been short-handed all season long. Whether it’s Ben Simmons holding out, injuries, or COVID protocol, the Sixers have never felt like they’ve been at full strength.
With that in mind, they need every healthy player to step up to the challenge and at the beginning of the season, Furkan Korkmaz was doing just that. However, his play prior to him missing time due to non-COVID illness was horrific.
This season, the Turkish sharpshooter had been averaging 8.4 points on 37.4 percent shooting from the floor and 29.5 percent shooting from deep. Second year shooter Isaiah Joe has been called upon while Korkmaz is out and should continue to be even once he returns.
Joe should be a part of the Sixers rotation moving forward.
This season Joe is averaging just 3.6 points on 33.3 percent shooting from deep. The numbers aren’t that impressive but don’t be fooled by them. He received inconsistent minutes to begin the year from head coach Doc Rivers, so it was hard for him to find a rhythm.
Let’s not forgot he was averaging around 16 points per game and shot well above 50.0 percent from the 3-point line during the preseason. If given the opportunity, the wing can go off from the 3-point line.
Korkmaz is having one of the worst seasons of his career and any loyalty Rivers has for him needs to dissipate if the Sixers want a chance to strengthen their bench rotation. Joe is not only a better pure shooter than Korkmaz, he’s already a better defender as well.
Joe deserves a chance to be in the Sixers rotation on a permanent basis even after Korkmaz returns.