Isaiah Joe reacts to Sixers waiving him. Strong words for Doc Rivers
PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers had to make a tough decision back in October as they had to waive Isaiah Joe after the preseason ended. Joe was drafted out of Arkansas by the Sixers in Round 2 of the 2020 NBA Draft. He played 96 NBA games for Philadelphia before being released before the 2022-23 season.
Joe has since been signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder. His average career-highs include points, rebounds, assists and minutes as well as shooting percentages. He has had the chance to play on a young team, like the Thunder, so he is making the most of it.
After the Thunder knocked off the Sixers Joe shared his feelings about being waived, and his relationship with Doc Rivers, on Thursday when he returned to Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s emotions return
“Really, coming here, I really tried to calm myself,” said Joe. “Treat it like any other game because, at the end of the day, each basketball game is the same. You don’t want to go in there too high or too low. You kind of want to be even-keeled so that was my mindset coming into this game, but definitely, Philly’s environment’s always great, you know? Their fans are always passionate and that is what I love about them. I can sympathize with those on the opposing side. It is a pleasure to immerse myself in the game. I think here is a really good spot to be immersed in the game.”
Being waived
“It kind of came quick, for sure, but leading up to it, you could kind of feel that there was something in the works, but my job was to, regardless of the noise that was going on on the outside was still to be immersed in the game, in the moment,” Joe added. “Even before I got waived, I was still playing in the preseason games or whatnot. I still have my focus on the court because that’s what I’m here for. I feel like if you do that, and you work your tail off, everything else will fall into place.”
Rivers are the source of strong emotions
“Doc’s always been wanting to be on my side,” Joe said of Rivers. “I know a lot of people probably don’t know that, but he’s always been wanting to be on my side. Afterward, he actually made some phone calls for me. He talked me up, gave me words of encouragement just saying he’ll always be there for me if I ever need him. He is a great coach and a wonderful person. My years playing for him were really good, but he even supports me when I’m on the opposite side.”
Rivers staying in touch with Joe
“We communicate,” said Rivers. “That’s what we do, but our talk, which I won’t share, was way deeper than that, I can tell you that. As a coach, and I don’t think a lot of people understand, you end up with a relationship with most of your players, and 98% of them are good, great relationships. Sometimes we can become their advisors. You give them the best advice possible. That’s what I was doing for Isaiah.”
Thunder brings you Opportunity
“Definitely here with the Thunder, I’ve gotten a lot more opportunity to go out there and show who I really am,” said Joe. “The opportunity to make mistakes and continue to get better and learn from those mistakes. So definitely grateful for this opportunity and I will not take it for granted because they may not always come, but this one came and I’m not gonna sell it short. I’m gonna give it my all, keep working, keep grinding, and everything else will fall into place.”
Keep in touch with your Sixers friends
“For sure,” he finished. “Those are still my guys, you know? Two of them were with me when I was drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers. Tyrese Maxiey and Paul Reed. Those guys are my boys. They are my guys. I keep in touch with them almost daily. So they’re definitely great players on the court, but they’re even better people so great connections to have for a lifetime.”