Isaiah Joe Strengthens Pistons Shooting for 2026-27 Season

Detroit is counting on Isaiah Joe to improve its perimeter offense during the 2026-27 NBA season after acquiring the shooting guard from Oklahoma City in June. The Pistons added the former Thunder player to create more space for Cade Cunningham, strengthen their outside shooting and build on a 60-win campaign that secured the Eastern Conference's top seed in 2025-26.

According to The Detroit News, Detroit acquired Joe in exchange for two second-round picks after his career-best season with Oklahoma City. He averaged 11.1 points and shot 42.3% from 3-point range, ranking 10th in the league in that category. He also made at least four 3-pointers in 20 games.

Joe previously spent four seasons with the Thunder, helping the franchise win the 2025 championship. His experience gives Detroit a player familiar with the demands of a successful postseason run, while his shooting could address a significant weakness: the Pistons made 902 3-pointers last season, ranking 28th in the NBA, according to Sporting News.

Joe said his championship experience could help his new teammates prepare for the playoffs.

"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. 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." Joe said.

The guard has also expressed confidence in Detroit's work ethic and coaching staff. He joined a team that rose from 14 wins two years earlier to 60 victories in 2025-26, a transformation that helped establish the Pistons as Eastern Conference contenders.

"This is a young and hungry team, which showed a lot throughout the regular season. They always found ways to win. 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 said.

Joe has also welcomed the city, where his name has drawn comparisons with former Pistons greats Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas. He said the reception helped him settle into Detroit after arriving four months earlier.

"Everywhere I go, people say, 'You know you have a special name? … You were meant to be here,'" Joe said.

His previous role alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City provides a model for how he might complement Cunningham. Joe's shooting can force defenders to account for him on the perimeter rather than concentrate their attention on Detroit's primary ball-handler.

"They are both great players who occupied great attention. It's their dominance and how they approach the game, and their ability to take over at any moment makes them dangerous." Joe said.

Joe explained how his experience with Gilgeous-Alexander could translate to his partnership with Cunningham. His catch-and-shoot ability was particularly valuable in Oklahoma City, where he shot 43.1% from 3-point range last season, according to The Detroit News.

"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." Joe said.

Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff has praised Joe's versatility beyond his perimeter scoring, including his ability to handle the ball, read the floor and contribute defensively.

"He is an all-around basketball player. 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's 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." Bickerstaff said.

Joe recorded 14 points, two assists and one rebound in 20 minutes during Detroit's 128-106 preseason win over Minnesota on Wednesday, October 14, according to Rotowire. He shot 4-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-5 from 3-point range, and made five of seven free throws.

Rotowire reported that Joe is expected to play an important role off the bench, although he could challenge Duncan Robinson for the starting shooting guard position during the season. Detroit also added forward John Collins in free agency and selected Ebuka Okorie in the draft.

Collins has welcomed the offensive freedom offered by Detroit's system during preseason games, particularly its opportunities to attack mismatches and switches.

"I enjoyed that aspect – the freedom of movement, the ability to push and just attack mismatches and switches. Just play real basketball. That's something I enjoy doing, I enjoy playing that way as well.

Happy to continue to develop chemistry with the guys." Collins said.

The Pistons also face roster and injury considerations as the season approaches. Coach Tiago Splitter said Bulls big man Nic Claxton would be "out awhile" because of a hamstring strain, while Zach Collins was sidelined with a quadriceps injury. Isaac Okoro could return against Milwaukee despite missing practice, and Tobe Awaka had also missed practice after injuring his knee against Memphis.

Detroit opens its regular-season campaign against the Boston Celtics, who finished 56-26 last season. The matchup will provide an early test of whether Joe's shooting and the Pistons' offseason additions can help sustain their progress after reaching 60 wins.