Former Mr. Basketball of Arkansas Re-Signs to the Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the first seed in a grueling, and tough Western Conference this past season. They were led by their stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holgrem, and Jalen Williams. While they had great star talent, and a potential MVP candidate in Shai, the Thunder also had a very sufficient bench. One of the guys on the bench, Isaiah Joe was a key piece in Oklahoma City’s success, especially when the starters were out of the game. After being eliminated in six games during the Western Conference Semifinals by the Dallas Mavericks, Joe became a free agent. Today, it was announced that the former Mr. Basketball of Arkansas has re-signed on a four-year deal with the Thunder.

Joe was drafted in the second round as the 49th pick during the 2020 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. After playing two years in Philly, the former Mr. Basketball of Arkansas signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. On February 24th, 2023, the 25-year-old guard recorded a career-high of 28 points during a 124-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns. This past season on November 16th, Joe hit all seven of his three-point attempts during a 128-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Now with the … the young guard has an opportunity to expand his game, and become a key asset for the Thunder’s bench. 

Last season in 78 games played, Joe put up around eight points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 19 minutes off the bench. This past season, the former Mr. Basketball of Arkansas recorded a career-high in field goal and three-point percentage. During 10 playoff games with the Thunder, the 25-year-old guard averaged about six points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 17 minutes off the bench. In that 128-109 win over the Warriors on November 16th, Joe had a season-high of 23 points.