On July 1, Beijing time, the Oklahoma City Thunder officially announced that they had reached an impressive four-year, $48 million contract extension with Isaiah Joe, a potential star in the team. This is not only the highest praise for Isaiah Joe's wonderful performances past season, but also an unwavering belief in the infinite possibilities of his future.
Last season, Isaiah Joe showed an extraordinary rate of growth for the Thunder. In his limited 23-34 minutes of playing time (an average of 18.5 minutes per game), he was able to contribute a consistent 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists, and these stats are behind his deep understanding of the game and superb basketball IQ. What's even more remarkable is that his three-point shooting rate is as high as 41.6%, which is among the best in the league, and has become an important weapon for the team's outside offense. Whenever the game came to a critical juncture, Isaiah Joe always stepped up and sealed the win for his team with a precise three-pointer.
In addition to the dazzling personal data, Isaiah Joe also showed extraordinary leadership and team spirit on the court. He can always give encouragement and support to his teammates at critical moments, and use his practical actions to boost the morale of the whole team. Defensively, he was equally relentless, building a solid defensive line for his team with excellent footwork and keen defensive awareness.
The four-year, $48 million contract is undoubtedly the best reward for Isaiah Joe's past efforts. However, for the young defender, it's just a new beginning. He knows he still has a long way to go and a lot of goals to achieve. In the days to come, he will continue to train hard, improve his technical level and playing ability, and contribute more strength to the Thunder team.
It is worth mentioning that Isaiah Joe's contract also set a number of records in the history of the Thunder. He became one of the youngest players in franchise history to receive such a hefty contract extension, while also joining the top ranks of the league's newer generation. These honors and achievements are not only a recognition of his personal ability, but also an infinite expectation of his future potential.