Sixers 3 goals: Isaiah Joe has to become a 3-and-D player to earn a spot
In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 20 players, per Sportrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 18 currently under contract and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2022-23 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 18, and training camp begins on Sept. 27. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball. Philadelphia will have to trim a few players; the active roster limit is 15.
This edition focuses on Isaiah Joe, who is entering his third season and has a non-guaranteed contract. His contract becomes guaranteed on opening night. Due to the fact the Sixers have to trim some players to get to 15, he will have to earn his spot on the roster.
For Joe, his three goals are as follows:
Find consistency from deep
Joe was selected with the 49th pick in the 2020 NBA draft and was billed as a shooter. While he shot well while at Arkansas, that has not translated to the NBA level. He shot 36.8% from deep as a rookie, but just 33.3% in his second season. The shooting stroke is there, but it has not produced any real success at the NBA level.
Combine it with defense
Joe can earn a spot on this roster by being a 3-and-D player. At the moment, the Sixers have legitimate 3-and-D options in De’Anthony Melton and Danuel House Jr. so they could just turn to them. For Joe to really catch the eye of the Sixers, he has to be able to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Push the new additions
As mentioned, the Sixers added Melton and House Jr. in the offseason and each can essentially replace Joe. The two also have playoff experience, so they know what to do to help a team succeed in the postseason. For Joe to get the job done and guarantee his contract, he must push those two in training camp and preseason and have his eye on them to earn a spot.
