The Pistons have long sought a proper 3-and-D wing to complement their young core, and that wish was finally granted Friday morning with a trade for Isaiah Joe. The trade brings a proven high-volume shooter with solid defense to the Motor City and could make a big difference in future playoff series. Detroit's front office even proved me wrong by getting great value out of the trade, as they gave up just two second-round picks.
Isaiah Joe is an answer the Pistons have been seeking
Joe is an absolute flamethrower from 3-point range, which he proved last season by hitting 42% of his 6 attempts per game. He's capable of hitting shots both as a spot-up option and coming off movement and screens. His addition to a Detroit roster sorely lacking in shooting could have a huge impact and completely change the offense for the better.
Last season, Duncan Robinson was the only reliable shooter in Detroit. He hit 41% of his 7 three-point attempts per game, very similar numbers to Joe when you consider that Robinson played 6 more minutes per game. Having them both on the same team now should open up the floor significantly for their teammates and leave the Pistons with a reliable shooter in practically all meaningful minutes.
Acquiring Joe for such a bargain trade package was a stroke of brilliance on Trajan Langdon's part. It validates his risky gamble in the draft to move up and select a budding shot creator without the greatest outside shot. When Langdon selected Ebuka Okorie with the 17th pick, he was betting that he could add more shooting for a cheaper price - and Joe proved him right in that aspect.
The Pistons need to unlock another level from Isaiah Joe
Joe established himself as a reliable depth piece with impressive efficiency in Oklahoma City, but never really cracked the Thunder's playoff rotation in the last two seasons. He found himself buried on a very deep depth chart with many wing options. However, the Pistons should be able to get more production out of him with the right opportunities.
If Joe can keep up his efficiency with more scoring aggression, he should be able to open up lanes for his teammates to become truly devastating slashers. Not only has Joe developed his shot to an incredible degree in recent seasons, but he has also mastered the art of using his gravity to help the team. He'll now have chances to showcase his full skillset and impact on a larger scale in Detroit than he would have as the 8th or 9th man on the Thunder.
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