A month ago, Isaiah Joe seemed like a peripheral figure in the OKC Thunder's lineup, with many NBA analysts suggesting he might be expendable to free up cap space. Fast forward to late February, and Joe has emerged as a hero in ways that even coach Mark Daigneault might not have anticipated.
Early in the season, Joe struggled to find his footing, averaging less than 20 minutes per game. However, injuries to key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell opened the door for role players to shine, and Joe seized the opportunity.
Since SGA's last game on February 3rd, Joe has stepped up as the Thunder's leading scorer, averaging 16.9 points on 48.1 percent shooting. His three-point shooting has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the league among players attempting at least seven threes per game, with a remarkable 53.6 percent accuracy.
Joe's performance is making the Thunder rethink his role on the team.
While his offensive surge is impressive, it's his defensive turnaround that truly stands out. Initially seen as a defensive liability, Joe had one of the highest defensive field goal percentages on the team.
But since February 4th, he's flipped the script, ranking first on the team in defensive field goal percentage and second in defensive rating. His defensive prowess was on full display with a five-steal game against Cleveland, highlighting his growing impact on both ends of the floor.
As the sixth-year player continues to impress, he's been vital in keeping the Thunder competitive during this challenging stretch. The big question looming is what happens when the stars return. With Gilgeous-Alexander, J-Dub, and Mitchell back in the mix, playing time will be at a premium.
Coach Daigneault will have to decide if Joe's recent performances have earned him a lasting spot in the rotation. For now, Joe continues to make the most of his minutes, proving himself to be an invaluable asset for the Thunder.