Thunder cast-off could break out for Pistons or be fool's gold

The OKC Thunder’s financial problems have been vastly overstated by fans hoping to poach their players, but they will have to make some tough decisions that could benefit the Detroit Pistons. 

The Thunder have to cut around $39 million to get under the second apron next season, but can get there pretty easily just by declining team options on Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams, re-negotiating with Isaiah Hartenstein and trading one of their multitude of talented guards, which includes Isaiah Joe. 

Joe was the odd man out for most of the playoffs, and it’s difficult to know what to make of that given that OKC has a deep and talented guard rotation. On paper, Joe would be an impact addition to the Pistons, as he’s a lights-out 3-point shooter who has averaged nearly 41 percent for his career. 

This year, he shot over 42 percent on six attempts per game, which is the kind of volume and accuracy the Pistons could use off their bench. Joe is also a solid defender, so could be a bench upgrade for Detroit and a guy who could blow up in a bigger role. 

However, it’s always buyer beware when it comes to role players on great teams. 

Does Isaiah Joe reach the new standard the Pistons need to set? 

For me, the bar for any additions to the Pistons should be whether you can go to war with them in the playoffs. If the answer is no, then Detroit should probably move on. 

I’m not sure what the answer is with Joe, as he was largely ineffective in this year’s playoffs, but plays for a team that has more guard depth than any other in the league. I can guarantee that Joe would have played in the playoffs for the Pistons this season, as they were desperate for any kind of scoring off the bench, but is he a guy you can rely upon in the big moment? 

This is the issue with role players on great teams, as they might look good in the niche role they have next to great players who take all of the attention, but if they had a bigger job may not be as effective. 

Joe is only making $11 million next season, so if OKC wanted to salary dump him, the Pistons could take him into one of their exceptions without sending a player back. 

While Joe might have been an upgrade on the bench last season, that may not be the case in the next one if Trajan Langdon makes moves that could push players like Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris to the bench. 

Joe is an interesting name who could be available this summer and has a skillset the Pistons need, but they also need to pursue players who can help lift them in the playoffs and Joe might not be that guy. 

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