The Philadelphia 76ers are making a minor tweak to their rotation as coach Doc Rivers looks for the next spark to try and give that bench unit a shot in the arm. In their 110-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Rivers went to rookie Isaiah Joe instead of Furkan Korkmaz.
Korkmaz has been the main wing player off Rivers’ bench, but his recent play has forced the Sixers to make a bit of a change as they are now going with the second-round rookie out of Arkansas to give him a look.
Joe had three points and two rebounds in 12 minutes of action on Sunday against a very good Raptors team on the road. He was active on both ends of the floor and he drew a charge from Norman Powell early in the game as he showed off why the Sixers like him.
“He’s been great defensively offensively,” said Ben Simmons of Joe. “He’s still learning, but offensively, we want him to take those open shots and continue taking them because he’s a great shooter. Just giving him that confidence what he’s capable of and defensively, he’s been solid. He’s been stepping up, and taking the challenge.”
Joe certainly does not look like a rookie when he gets out there on the floor. He is a confident player who is ready for any opportunity coming his way and he is a guy who is showing off other parts of his game. Not a lot of people knew he could defend at this level just yet.
“He’s been solid,” added Tobias Harris. “He’s been solid for us all year every time he gets the opportunity. He’s a player, Isaiah, he doesn’t make much mistakes on the floor so his energy out there for a rookie, and defensively, he’s well ahead in terms of understanding the game plan, the terminology, and where to force guys.”
Joe has continued to make strides forward and learn from the veterans around him on the roster. Philadelphia knows they will need something from him as the season goes on. It’s all about finding confidence and keeping it.
“We’re going to need him this year,” Harris added. “When he gets an opportunity, he does take advantage of it.”
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