2. Isaiah Joe
While he may not be one of the star players found on this team, Isaiah Joe has proven through his second season with the club that when he's playing at his best the Thunder are seemingly playing at theirs.
With attention mainly being drawn toward core guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren on the offensive end, the 24-year-old finds himself feasting as an off-ball spark-plug reserve who, when getting into his groove, serves as a major catalyst in OKC's successes.
ISAIAH JOE WHAT IN THE WORLD. pic.twitter.com/tv5rJFZtgL
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) March 28, 2024
The proof is simply in the pudding. When the Thunder have been found pulling out victories this season, Joe is shooting at an electrifying 49.8 percent clip from the floor and 45.5 percent clip from deep. On the flip side, in losses he's shooting a measly 38.0 percent from the floor and 35.2 percent from distance.
Of course, counting stats only tell half the story of his impact, as advanced metrics show that of the 211 tandems scattered across the association who have registered 1000 or more minutes, Joe's pairing with MVP candidate SGA ranks seventh in net rating (12.8), directly ahead of the Clippers' superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (12.6).
What this means is that while opposing defenses will be game planning around the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren, the fourth key component to their successes this season in the fourth-year guard will be often left unaccounted for.
Should he continue to produce at such high levels, great things could be just on the horizon for Oklahoma City.