Isaiah Joe, a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, began his basketball journey with unwavering support from his parents. The OKC Thunder guard and former Philadelphia 76ers player also represented the University of Arkansas during his college career, making it clear that his home state holds a special place in his heart. To give back to the community that shaped him, the 25-year-old sharpshooter, fondly known as Zai, dedicated his offseason to promoting basketball in his hometown.

Once a kid with dreams of making it to the NBA, Isaiah has turned that dream into reality. This summer, he hosted the “Shooters Shoot” basketball camp at Fort Smith Northside, the very place where his journey began.

Known for his precision shooting, Isaiah Joe ensured that his basketball camp was meticulously planned. The event saw over 200 kids, aged six to fourteen, participate, making it a resounding success. Reflecting on the experience, Isaiah shared, “It means a lot, especially to do it in Fort Smith, Arkansas.” It was a heartfelt full-circle moment for the OKC Thunder guard.

Isaiah reminisced about his upbringing, saying, “You can never forget where you come from. Being back here and the memories and all the achievements. It all started at a young age, so being back here and being in this environment around these kids definitely makes you remember all of that.” His parents, Derrick and Nicole, 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 are Isaiah Joe’s parents? Exploring the OKC Thunder star’s close bond with his father

Isaiah Joe was born to Derrick and Nicole Joe in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he was raised in a supportive and loving household alongside his two younger brothers, Jacob and Jon. 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.

Although details about his mother, Nicole, are scarce online, it’s clear she has played an equally pivotal role in Isaiah’s life and upbringing, shaping the values and determination that have fueled his success.

How did Isaiah Joe’s father Derrick, influence his three-point shooting?

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.”