It’s hard to consider any Thunder player to be truly underrated. The team was in the national spotlight most of the season a year ago, and basketball fans have become familiar with the Thunder’s core.
Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams And Chet Holmgren are among the most well-known players in the NBA. Guys like Isaiah Hartenstein And Alex CarusoThe Oklahoma City newcomers probably aren’t considered underrated players within the team. While they are underrated in NBA terms, everyone understands how important they are to the Thunder in particular.
The most underrated player on Oklahoma City’s current roster might just be a sniper Isaiah Joe. It feels like he doesn’t get enough mention when discussing the Thunder’s core, even though he signed a long-term contract this summer. Joe’s reliable shooting will be a vital part of the Thunder’s court spacing and offensive success this season.
The Thunder’s guard rotation has been a big talking point this summer, particularly the quality of the team’s perimeter defense. Caruso, Lu DortAnd Cason Wallace They’ve been highly regarded as a defensive trio, and rightly so. But the other end of the floor is just as important, and Joe’s skill set is completely different to the other three.
He continues to be one of the most underrated shooters in the NBA and a valuable piece of what Oklahoma City is building. Despite his efforts in the 3-point contest, Joe has yet to receive an invite and still doesn’t get the praise he deserves. He has developed into a player who can make plays from beyond the 3-point line and has a skill set that fits perfectly in the modern NBA. He’s quite good on defense, he’s an elite shooter, and his athleticism will show up at random times throughout the season.
Consistency will be key for Joe to continue to play a role in the Thunder’s rotation. He has a tendency to go through extreme hot and cold periods at times, which is typical of most NBA shooters. Eliminating those cold periods will be key to standing out from the rest of the pack and solidifying his place as one of the best shooters in the league.
Last season, Joe averaged 8.2 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. It was his second consecutive season averaging over 40 percent from three-point range.
It feels like Joe’s extension went under the radar this offseason, and his role in Oklahoma City has gone under the radar as well. His ability to space the floor and demand respect from defenses at the 3-point line is unmatched on the team. And for that reason, he might just be the Thunder’s most underrated player.
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