DETROIT — Isaiah Joe has been in Detroit for only four months, but fans already believe he was destined for the Motor City. He shares the name of two Detroit Pistons legends — Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas — which has made his transition to Detroit feel more welcoming in several ways.
"Everywhere I go, people say, 'You know you have a special name? … You were meant to be here,'" Joe said. "Since day one, I've gotten used to the system and the city. Everyone I have met has been amazing. It's a sleeper spot (Detroit). There are plenty of places where you can get good food and hang out with the family."
Joe has quickly developed a love for the city, which has motivated him to do everything he can to keep the fanbase happy while also helping the Pistons work toward their championship aspirations.
After four years helping the Oklahoma City Thunder pursue their championship goals — which they achieved in 2025 — Joe watched in amazement as the Pistons transformed from a team that won only 14 games two years ago into the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, finishing the 2025-26 regular season with 60 wins.
As he begins his career with the Pistons, Joe believes he is in a good position as he prepares for his seventh season. His optimism aligns with the Pistons' belief that he's well-suited to their goals for the 2026-27 campaign.
"For me personally, I can bring the experience of knowing what it takes to build throughout the regular season so that you can be successful in the postseason," Joe said. "Everybody here has the same goal in mind, which is always a good sign. There are no egos. We are here to achieve the same goals. I am excited about what I can bring to the team, but also the stuff I can learn from them as well."
More: Taurean Prince 'blessed' to be with Pistons after injury-plagued season
The Pistons acquired Joe from the Thunder in June in exchange for two second-round picks. His arrival in Detroit came after the notable progress made since the Philadelphia 76ers drafted him with a second-round pick in 2020.
With the 76ers, Joe had a limited role, averaging 10.3 minutes over 96 career games. In October 2022, the Thunder acquired him from the 76ers. Joe became a key player for Oklahoma City, contributing significantly to the franchise's success during his first three seasons; however, last year marked his highest level of production.
"This is a young and hungry team, which showed a lot throughout the regular season. They always found ways to win," Joe said. "These guys are grimy. They work hard and are in the gym every night, working on their craft. We have a great system and great coaches. Everyone is together."
Joe had a career year with the Thunder, who finished 64-18 and reached the Western Conference Finals. He averaged 11.1 points on 42.3% shooting from the 3-point range, which ranked 10th-best in the league.
Joe played in 20 games where he made four or more 3-point field goals. He recorded a season-high of six triples in six different games. One of these performances came against the Clippers on Nov. 4, when he scored a season-high 22 points and shot 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Joe has established himself as one of the league's most respected 3-point shooters and will continue to play a crucial bench role. His presence should significantly improve Detroit's mediocre 3-point shooting and could finally help the Pistons compensate for Malik Beasley's production a year and a half after his abrupt departure.
"He is an all-around basketball player," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Watching him be able to put the ball in his hands and watch him be able to make plays, how he reads the floor, he is more dimensional on the offensive end of the floor than what you expect...Defensively, he is sound. He does a good job on the ball and executes our system well."
Joe's biggest contribution will be creating space on the floor, and opponents will always have to be attentive when he is on the court. As a shooting threat, defenders will be less likely to double up on Cade Cunningham and other ball-handlers.
In Oklahoma City, Joe's presence as a 3-point threat is part of why opposing teams couldn't double and triple Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His presence helped Gilgeous-Alexander develop into one of the league's elite scorers by creating more space on the floor. This is especially true given Joe’s catch-and-shoot ability; he shot 43.1% from beyond the arc last season.
More: In first week of camp, Pistons' Jalen Duren looking 'faster and more explosive'
"They are both great players who occupied great attention," Joe said. "It's their dominance and how they approach the game, and their ability to take over at any moment makes them dangerous."
"Being out there and playing with him (Gilgeous-Alexander) over the years, we should be able to work pretty well together. Guys will be drawn to him (Cunningham), leaving me open for shots. If guys don't want to leave me open for shots, it could open driving lanes for him."
In the four months since Joe joined the Pistons, he has truly enjoyed how the city rallies around both its professional and collegiate teams. His first experience was attending a Michigan football game in Ann Arbor and a Detroit Lions game at Ford Field, all within 24 hours.
After seeing the city show its support, Joe is excited to bring the same enthusiasm to Little Caesars Arena every night.
If Joe can remain a reliable contributor in Detroit, his performance will help the Pistons stay near the top of the Eastern Conference. This will keep the city hopeful that the franchise can add another Larry O'Brien Trophy sooner rather than later.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons' Isaiah Joe looking to bring championship pedigree to Detroit