The Sixer Sense
Fansided

8 players the Philadelphia 76ers gave up on too soon

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic shoots over Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Sixers
Isaiah Joe, Sixers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Isaiah Joe

The Sixers waived Isaiah Joe alongside Charles Bassey to kickstart the 2022-23 season, giving the team an open roster spot and fewer tax obligations to be worried about. Well, it took only a few months for that decision to age like milk.

Joe’s two-year stint with Philadelphia was defined by Doc Rivers’ stubborn refusal to give him a chance. Joe averaged only 11.1 minutes in 55 appearances for the Sixers last season, seldom getting the chance to spread his wings when the team was healthy.

One of the best shooters to emerge from the college ranks in recent memory, Joe always felt like the perfect role player to develop in tandem with Joel Embiid and James Harden. But the Sixers were trying to win games and Joe was, in the mind of Doc Rivers, too young.

Now with OKC, Joe is hitting 42.9 percent of his 5.3 attempts per game from long distance. Statistically, he grades out as one of the best shooters in the league. With multiple playmakers to set him up, Joe has thrived as a play finisher and connective-tissue piece for the up-and-coming Thunder. He’s on track for a long and successful career as a player with the exact skill set Philly needs more of.