Derrick Isaiah Joe Bio
Derrick Isaiah Joe (born July 2, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Fort Smith, Arkansas native plays the shooting guard position and is nicknamed “Strokin’ Joe” or “Zai.” Joe was selected in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft with the 49th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers and later became an NBA champion with the Thunder in 2025. He played college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he set a freshman three-point shooting record that still stands today.
Early Life and Background
Joe was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he attended Northside High School alongside future professional teammate Jaylin Williams. From his sophomore season onward, Joe demonstrated exceptional shooting ability, connecting on 41 percent of his three-point attempts. His standout high school performance attracted offers from major programs, and he ultimately committed to play for the University of Arkansas over Alabama and Arkansas-Little Rock during the summer before his junior year.
During his junior season at Northside, Joe averaged 18.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game while leading the Grizzlies to the Arkansas Activities Association AAA 7A state championship. He earned first-team All-State honors that year. As a senior, Joe elevated his production to 22.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. His dominance earned him Gatorade Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year and State Player of the Year honors from USA Today. He led Northside to the state championship game before the team fell to North Little Rock High School.
Path to Basketball
Joe’s journey to professional basketball was fueled by his exceptional shooting touch and competitive drive developed during his formative years in Fort Smith. His performance at Northside High School made him one of the most sought-after prospects in Arkansas. The foundation he built playing against regional competition prepared him for the heightened level of play in college basketball.
After completing his high school career with back-to-back outstanding seasons, Joe took the next step by joining the Arkansas Razorbacks program in 2018. His transition to collegiate basketball was seamless, as he immediately made an impact as a freshman in the Southeastern Conference.
Derrick Isaiah Joe Career
Arkansas Razorbacks (2018–2020)
Joe entered the University of Arkansas as a highly-touted freshman and quickly justified the recruitment hype. In his debut season, he appeared in 34 games and averaged 13.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His shooting from beyond the arc was exceptional, as he made 113 three-pointers on 273 attempts, connecting at a 41.4 percent rate. This performance broke the previous Razorback freshman record of 102 set by Scotty Thurman and tied the SEC freshman record for three-pointers made. Joe led the conference in three-point percentage and earned SEC All-Freshman team honors.
One of Joe’s most memorable performances came on December 1, 2018, when he scored 34 points against FIU, connecting on 10 of 13 attempts from three-point range and 11 of 14 from the field. This performance earned him SEC Player of the Week honors. Entering his sophomore season, Joe was named preseason All-SEC and placed on the Jerry West Award watchlist, recognizing him among the top shooting guards in college basketball.
During his sophomore campaign, Joe continued his high-level play despite battling injuries. He scored 24 points against Indiana on January 2, 2020, earning SEC co-Player of the Week recognition. He followed with a 34-point performance on January 12, including 26 points in the second half, to lead Arkansas to a comeback victory over Ole Miss. However, an arthroscopic knee procedure in February sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Joe averaged 16.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2022)
Joe was selected with the 49th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed his rookie contract with Philadelphia on December 3, 2020, and made his NBA debut later that month in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Joe appeared in 41 games during his rookie season, recording 3.7 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game while showing flashes of his three-point shooting ability.
In his second season with the 76ers during the 2021-22 campaign, Joe appeared in 55 games and averaged 3.6 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. His consistency from three-point range remained a strength throughout his time in Philadelphia. On October 13, 2022, the 76ers waived Joe, ending his tenure with the organization after two seasons.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2022–Present)
Joe joined the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 16, 2022, signing a deal that would revitalize his NBA career. He quickly found his rhythm with his new team, posting a then career-high 28 points against the Phoenix Suns on February 24, 2023. Less than a month later, on March 29, 2023, Joe set a new career high with 33 points in a high-scoring affair against the Charlotte Hornets.
During the 2023-24 season, Joe continued to establish himself as a reliable three-point shooter. On November 16, he delivered a spectacular performance by making all seven of his three-point attempts on his way to 23 points in a win against the Golden State Warriors. On July 1, 2024, Joe secured his future with the Thunder by signing a four-year, $48 million contract extension.
The 2024-25 season proved to be the defining chapter of Joe’s career. On January 10, 2025, he scored 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including a career-high eight three-pointers made, in a victory over the New York Knicks. Joe played a crucial role throughout the Thunder’s championship run, averaging 6.4 points per game and shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range across 21 playoff appearances. On June 22, 2025, Joe won his first NBA championship when the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Driving Style and Strengths
Joe’s game is built around his elite three-point shooting ability and quick release. His shooting stroke allows him to contribute effectively both as a starter and reserve, creating spacing for teammates and punishing defenses that sag off on the perimeter. His basketball IQ and feel for the game enable him to make smart decisions with and without the ball.
Notable Events and Milestones
Joe’s career highlights include setting the Arkansas freshman three-point record with 113 makes, winning the 2025 NBA Championship with the Thunder, and signing a lucrative four-year extension. His 33-point performance against Charlotte and his eight-three-pointer night versus New York represent the peaks of his professional career so far.
Derrick Isaiah Joe Career Wins
Joe has accumulated significant accomplishments across college and professional basketball, highlighted by his recent NBA championship victory. His career trajectory shows consistent improvement with each passing season.
NBA Highlights
Joe’s professional career reached its pinnacle in 2025 when he helped the Thunder capture the NBA championship. Over his five NBA seasons, he has established himself as a dependable three-point shooter capable of scoring in bunches. His 33-point performance against the Hornets in March 2023 demonstrated his ability to take over games when given opportunity. The 2024-25 playoff run saw Joe average 6.4 points while shooting 41.1 percent from deep across 21 appearances, proving his value in high-pressure situations.
College Highlights
In just two seasons at Arkansas, Joe left an indelible mark on the program. His 113 three-pointers as a freshman remain the Razorback record for a single season by a freshman. He earned SEC All-Freshman team honors and was recognized as one of the top prospects in college basketball during his sophomore season. His career at Arkansas laid the foundation for his professional success.
Derrick Isaiah Joe Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joe comes from a basketball family, with his brother Jacob Joe pursuing a career in the sport. Jacob currently plays college basketball for the Newman Jets, continuing the family’s athletic tradition. This shared passion for basketball has been a constant thread throughout Isaiah’s life.
Personal Life
Beyond his basketball career, Joe remains connected to his Arkansas roots. In 2024, he hosted a “Shooters Shoot” youth training camp in Fort Smith, Arkansas, that drew over 200 young participants. The camp reflects Joe’s commitment to giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of basketball players from his hometown. Joe is also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season represented a breakthrough year for Joe with the Thunder. After signing his long-term extension in July 2024, he approached the season with renewed confidence and purpose. His performance against the Knicks in January, where he poured in 31 points with eight three-pointers, showcased his evolution into a more complete scorer.
Throughout the regular season, Joe provided the Thunder with consistent bench production and clutch shooting. His ability to space the floor proved invaluable as Oklahoma City pursued the top seed in the Western Conference. When the playoffs arrived, Joe’s experience and shooting touch became essential components of the team’s championship push.
The Thunder’s championship run culminated in a decisive Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Although Joe did not play in the final game, his contributions throughout the postseason were instrumental to the team’s success. His championship victory marked the fulfillment of the potential he showed from his days at Northside High School through his college career at Arkansas to his professional journey with Philadelphia and Oklahoma City.