The sharpshooter delivered career-high efficiency and elite movement shooting to anchor the bench, though defensive limitations and a crowded rotation hampered his impact during the postseason run.
Isaiah Joe averaged 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while setting career-highs in two-point percentage and three-point percentage. He was a reliable piece off the bench, as his 71 games played ranked second on the Thunder behind only Cason Wallace.
Joe’s best regular season performance is not indisputably clear, but his game against the Raptors on Feb. 24 gets the nod. Oklahoma City’s offense needed numerous players to step up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell all sidelined. Joe answered the call by contributing 22 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and zero turnovers on 6-for-11 shooting from deep. The Thunder pulled off the win thanks to Joe and Wallace.
The sharpshooter only scored 10+ points in two postseason games and logged 56 total minutes in the Western Conference Finals. Jared McCain’s emergence cut into Joe’s playing time, but the veteran handled the situation with maturity and class.
Overall, Joe receives an “A-” grade for the 2026 season. He was highly efficient in the regular season and added more versatility and fluidity to his offensive game. When asked about how he thought his offense had evolved this season, especially as a high-volume movement shooter, Joe said the following during his end-of-season interview:
“Yeah just understanding that that was where my growth was going to be. Being able to squeeze off more shots and become an even more heavier mover. And so, last summer that was a big focus of quickening the shot, working on different footworks. These are things that I’ve always kind of worked on, but it’s different when you know that’s going to be the next step to your bread and butter. So just really putting an extreme amount of focus into that, and not being afraid to experiment in the game.”
However, his grade drops to an “A-” because his defense and fouling once again made him matchup dependent in the playoffs. San Antonio’s guards were too physical and big for Joe to see extended playing time. He also did not shoot the basketball well this postseason, although inconsistent usage was likely a driving factor.
Joe is under contract for $11.3 million next season and has an $11.3 million team option in the following season. While he could become a salary cap casualty this offseason, it’s unlikely given his premium three-point shooting. Oklahoma City needs more spacing around its stars, not less.
One area of improvement for Joe is his defensive discipline. He’s always going to struggle defensively given his size, but the sharpshooter must learn to avoid fouling as much as possible. It’s a big reason behind why Mark Daigneault could not use him a lot in the playoffs. Joe improving his footwork and hand positioning would go a long way.
