The Sixers have assigned rookie Isaiah Joe to the Delaware Blue Coats. Joe will join the Blue Coats down in Orlando, Florida.
The 49th pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Joe has already exceeded expectations for a player of his draft range. The rookie out of Arkansas has already shown that his shot has translated to the next level averaging 38.3% from three on three attempts per game.
Joe will now join a very talented Blue Coats team who currently boast a record of 7-4. The young sharpshooter will be yet another sniper in the G League’s third-best three-point shooting team.
In Orlando, Joe will have an opportunity for big minutes and to refine his game. Not only that, but he will give them an improved chance of making some noise in the playoffs.
A team of Paul Reed, Rayjon Tucker, and now Isaiah Joe could be an offensive powerhouse. If you weren’t watching before, you certainly should now as they’ll be one of the best shows in the entire G League.
Some fans may question the timing of the move as the Sixers are only proving to need more and more depth as of late. The team is already 28th in the NBA in bench scoring and 29th in bench 3P%.
Certainly, many feel that a player like Joe deserves more minutes, not to be sent down. Could an argument be made? Sure, but the fact is that Joe is not yet ready to be a contributor on a contending NBA team.
The Sixers are better off allowing Joe to develop in Orlando and bringing in players who are more likely to have a role come playoff time. Expect this assignment to be a precursor to either a free agent signing or, more likely, a trade for the Sixers.
