Isaiah Joe, a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, began his basketball journey with unwavering support from his parents. Over the five seasons with the OKC Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers, he has played in 321 regular-season games. Being part of the No.1 seed in the West, Joe is now fighting for that championship title, and none of it would have happened without the encouragement of his loved ones.

The athlete credits his parents, Derrick and Nicole, who played a pivotal role in shaping his journey, particularly his father. Let’s dive deeper into his family roots and how they influenced his path to success.

Who is Isaiah Joe’s father Derrick? How did he coach his son?

Isaiah Joe was born to Derrick Joe in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Basketball became a passion for Isaiah at a young age, largely thanks to his father, Derrick, who has been a major influence on his career. The bond between father and son remains strong to this day.

In an interview with Forbes, Isaiah spoke fondly of his father, saying, “We talk after every game, good or bad. I feel like he’s the guy I can lean on whenever I am in a slump. Or even when I’m shooting good, he may see something and give me feedback. He’s always been the best at that.” Even as an NBA player, Isaiah values his father’s guidance, relying on his insights as he always has.

After being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, the team that drafted him into the NBA, Isaiah Joe’s career took an unexpected yet fortuitous turn. The Oklahoma City Thunder picked him up ahead of the 2022-23 season, giving him a fresh start. The Arkansas alumnus seized the opportunity, appearing in a career-high 73 games that season and proving his value to the team.

Isaiah Joe had a breakout season in 2022-23, averaging 9.5 points and 2.4 rebounds. His performance included nine 20-point games and a standout 33-point outing against Charlotte. This success is largely credited to the guidance of his father, Derrick Joe. Since Isaiah’s early days of playing basketball, Derrick has been instrumental in shaping the mechanics of his jumper.

Although Derrick humbly admits he wasn’t the greatest shooter, his meticulous attention to detail set him apart. The father-son duo maintains daily conversations, with Derrick offering valuable insights on Isaiah’s game and next steps. Even the OKC Thunder values Derrick’s input, given his pivotal role in constructing Isaiah’s shot. As Isaiah himself put it, “He has gotten me this far, so why not trust him now? He knows my shot pretty much better than I do.”

Who is Isaiah Joe’s mother Nicole? What does she do?

Although details about his mother, Nicole Joe, are scarce online, it is evident that she has played an equally pivotal role in Isaiah’s life and upbringing, shaping the values and determination that have fueled his success. She has made an appearance at almost of all of her son’s matches, cheering him on from the sidelines. She is also the mother of Isaiah’s two siblings, Jacob and Jon.