Isaiah Joe’s journey from Arkansas has always been a determined shooter. His love for basketball began at a young age, fueled by hard work. Off the court, the hooper is deeply involved in his family, especially his father, who played a crucial role in his development. So, with that, let’s look family and their story.
Where is Isaiah Joe from? What is the Thunder star’s nationality?
Isaiah Joe’s journey to the NBA started in his hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on July 2, 1999, the hooper is American by nationality, but his ethnicity is not known. He grew up in a close-knit family with two younger brothers, Jacob and Jon. However, their parents, Derrick and Nicole Joe, shaped each of their characters. While his mother’s influence is not widely discussed, it’s clear that his father played a key role in his basketball journey. Isaiah has often credited his dad for his basketball development.
Basketball was always present in hooper’s life. From a young age, Derrick was his first coach. His insights into shooting became an essential part of Isaiah’s training. He once shared, “We talk after every game, good or bad. I feel like he’s the guy I can lean on whenever I am in a slump.” This father-son bond was built on trust, support, and the shared improvement goal. His steady guidance helped Isaiah refine his game, focusing especially on the mechanics of his shot. Even though Derrick wasn’t the best shooter, his meticulous attention to detail set him apart. His son once said, “He knows my shot pretty much better than I do.” This belief in his father’s ability to fine-tune his skills is a testament to their strong relationship.
While his rise to the NBA is the true gift of his hard work, he knows he couldn’t have done it alone. Derrick’s influence was a constant throughout his career, offering advice and support every step of the way. In an interview, the hoopster spoke about his father’s unwavering guidance: “He’s always been the best at that. He has gotten me this far, so why not trust him now?”
Off the court, Isaiah remains grounded. He hasn’t forgotten where he came from, regularly giving back to his community. Every offseason, he hosts basketball camps in Fort Smith, Arkansas, his hometown. Isaiah takes pride in being a role model to the next generation of players. He shared, “It means a lot, especially to do it in Fort Smith, Arkansas.”
As Joe’s career continues to grow, one thing remains clear: his journey has been shaped by his family, especially his father’s unwavering guidance. So, with that, let’s look into his rookie season and see if he was able to be a good shooter.
When was Isaiah Joe drafted into the NBA?
On November 18, 2020, Isaiah Joe’s NBA journey began. That day, turned out to be special to him when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 49th overall pick. Well, it wasn’t just another draft pick; it was the realization of years of hard work. For Joe, every shot he took in college was a step closer to his dream. It’s no surprise that shooting was his ticket into the league.
He had a natural gift for shooting, and it was on full display at the University of Arkansas. During his college years, he became known for his deadly three-point shot. Well, making his father proud. He wasn’t just a shooter; he was someone who became the kind of player who could change the game with just one deep three-pointer. His shooting percentage of 39.4% from beyond the arc in college turned heads. So, his father trained him well. That same shooting stroke would carry him into the NBA, even if his journey wasn’t as straightforward as others.
After being drafted, Joe’s first moments in the NBA were quiet. On December 27, 2020, he stepped onto the court for his NBA debut with the 76ers. In seven minutes, he scored two points. It wasn’t a statement game, but it was a start. And for him, every shot he took, every second on the court, mattered. He knew the road to success would be long, and his shooting was his ticket to earning minutes on the court.
The hooper’s time with the 76ers was challenging. Despite his impressive college numbers, he struggled to find consistent playing time. But one thing stayed constant: his dedication to improving his shot. He knew that in order to stick around in the NBA, he had to make his shooting a weapon. Over two seasons with Philly, Joe continued to develop his three-point game. By his second season, he was shooting 36.8% from three-point range, contributing whenever he was called upon. Derrick must be so proud, right?
But in October 2022, after two seasons, the hooper’s time with the 76ers came to an end. He was waived. Some might have seen it as a setback, but for Joe, it was another chance. He’d always believed in himself, and the Oklahoma City Thunder saw something in him too.
Even when things didn’t go as planned with the 76ers, he kept his focus on his craft. He knew that his shooting could make a difference, and now, with OKC, it’s doing just that. His journey isn’t over. The question remains: How far can Joe take his shooting in the NBA?
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