76ers’ Isaiah Joe viewed G League assignment as a great ‘opportunity’
With the NBA G League schedule wrapping up on Thursday, the season gave several players the opportunity to showcase their games in front of NBA scouts while others used it as a chance to develop and playing meaningful minutes.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie Isaiah Joe was among those that benefitted from the season and the added playing time. The organization assigned Joe to the Delaware Blue Coats on Feb. 28 in order to log consistent time on the court after playing sparingly prior to that point.
While some may have viewed the assignment as a demotion, Joe fully bought into the plan and arrived at the Wide World of Sports Complex ready to play and contribute to the Blue Coats.
“When they told me, they let me know it wasn’t a demotion at all,” Joe said on the “Bell Ringer Podcast” with Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. “(They said) we’re sending you there to get some runs and (get into) a rhythm because sitting on the bench isn’t going to help you at all and I completely agree with that.”
Joe, in four games, is averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Blue Coats. He is posting 26 points and 4.5 rebounds during the playoffs on 41.4% shooting (12-of-29) from 3-point range to help lead the Blue Coats to the NBA G League Finals.
With the season winding down, Joe enjoyed the opportunity to play with Delaware.
“I saw it as an opportunity to get better, an opportunity to get some runs in and get in a rhythm,” Joe said. “I think it was the best thing for me to be sent here. I was sent here at a great time: We are playing for a championship. To be able to help this team go get that ‘chip it’s amazing.”
The Blue Coats boasted one of the most talented rosters in the G League this season. While Joe was a late addition to the team, the Blue Coats also had Sixers rookie Paul Reed, who finished third in scoring among all players, and two-way player Rayjon Tucker.
The play of Joe will certainly help boost his confidence once he returns to the 76ers in the near future and that should only help his development throughout the rest of the season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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