Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Joe Spots Teammates At Late-Night Workouts ‘Every Time’

Now three games into his Detroit Pistons career, seventh-year guard Isaiah Joe is still working through some preseason jitters as he attempts to catch a rhythm by the time the regular season kicks off on Oct. 20. 

So far, Joe has gone just 8-for-29 from the field for a 27.5% mark that falls well below his career rate, but water will eventually find its level. In this case, Joe needs to grow more comfortable in the Pistons offense as the season progresses, but that’s more a matter of when and not if. 

By now, Joe has already cemented himself as one of the NBA’s most lethal perimeter shooters with four consecutive campaigns above 40% from three-point range with the Oklahoma City Thunder, so his shooting pedigree shouldn’t come into question. Instead, the Arkansas product needs to trust that shots will start dropping ahead of Detroit’s preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors, but that won’t be a problem for the longtime sniper. 

“I’ve always been a shooter,” Joe told Local 4 News. “My dad trained my shot from a young age, although he can’t shoot at all but he knows how to coach it. So, that’s always been a skill of mine.”

Harkening back to when Joe initially joined the Thunder four years prior, it took him a bit of time before hitting his stride with that Western Conference squad. In just two exhibition games, Joe shot under 40% from the field for OKC, so smoother shooting nights existed ahead after he found his role in the squad’s hierarchy. 

During Joe’s first two preseason games with the Pistons, the vet knocked down four total shots. In his most recent contest, which was a 128-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Joe drilled four more shots, so his performances are trending in the right direction with the regular season right around the corner. 

In terms of gearing up for the season, Joe has been pleasantly surprised to see that the hoops culture in the Motor City is so thoroughly ingrained within this current iteration of the Pistons. 

”I come in and I shoot at night,” Joe said. “Every time I come in at night, the gym is almost filled. There’s guys in here always working on their craft, obviously trying to get better as a player but trying to find ways to get better and help the team win. So, I think it really shows in the passion that they have throughout practices and stuff, the competitiveness— it translates.”

Perhaps that hard-working quality should not come as a surprise considering the team won 60 games last year, but Joe’s diligent work ethic sounds like it will fit right in with the rest of his teammates.  Through three games, the Pistons have a 2-1 record in the exhibition slate, but All-Star center Jalen Duren didn’t join the group until their most recent matchup. So, Detroit was a bit incomplete from a depth standpoint for their first two games this season.

Now that JD is back in the mix, the Pistons will look to remain healthy throughout tonight’s home game against the Toronto Raptors, which serves as their preseason finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm tonight at Little Caesars Arena.