Defensive versatility is a great weapon to have in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers love two-way players who can guard multiple positions. Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac potentially could defend at all five positions.
The Philadelphia 76ers face the 2017 NBA Draft third pick with a difficult decision of too many options. The 2017 NBA Draft offers everything at three: great offense, great defense, great versatility, great overall. But the challenging part is which option to prioritize? Jonathan Isaac possesses many of these qualities.
On one hand, the Golden State Warriors highlight lethal shooting. On the other hand, they are an elite team from a versatile defense. With Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, they have the ability to switch on almost every ball screen, chase guys around the perimeter and contest shots at the rim.
Kevin Durant, who is known for his ability to score, also plays tremendous defense. Despite a height of 6-foot-9, he has the ability to guard virtually every position on the court. That is on top of the ability to protect the rim. And that is what makes him so valuable to the Warriors.
Copy Cat
The NBA is a copy-cat league, meaning when teams have great success, other teams try to emulate them. In my opinion, it would be wise for other teams to add as many versatile players as possible. The Sixers have players like Ben Simmons, Robert Covington and Joel Embiid, who possess these traits, however, I think that they should be on the hunt for more.
There is a player in this draft that has incredible defensive potential and who is someone I can see being a Swiss Army knife on a championship team. That is Jonathan Isaac. Standing at nearly 7 feet tall, he has a lot of similar characteristics to Kevin Durant. They share the same thin body type and long wingspan. While you cannot compare Durant’s offensive prowess to Isaac’s limited offense, they share similar defensive skill-sets.
I am a huge fan of having a strong defense. So nobody is surprised when I discuss NBA prospects’ great defensive potential. The Sixers were a great defensive team last year (when Embiid played) and the thought of adding someone like Isaac is very intriguing to me.
Isaac Stands Tall
When it comes to Isaac, the first thing that grabs your attention is his size. This quote comes from a DraftExpress scouting report on Isaac:
"Isaac’s intrigue starts with his rare physical tools and defensive potential. Measuring just under 6’11 in shoes at last year’s Nike Hoop Summit, with a 7’1″ wingspan and a standing reach slightly over 9′. Isaac augments that length for a forward with athleticism you don’t typically find in someone his size. – Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/jonathan-isaac-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-video-analysis-5947/ ©DraftExpress"
Scouts Love Isaac Defense
Isaac is not only a freak when it comes to his size and length, he possesses lateral quickness and foot speed that is absurd for someone his size. More from the scouting report:
"That combines to create one of the more unique defensive prospects in the draft, with the size and reach of a power forward or center, but the perimeter foot speed to switch onto guards. – Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/article/jonathan-isaac-nba-draft-scouting-report-and-video-analysis-5947/ ©DraftExpress"
For someone that is almost 7 feet tall, Isaac has the ability to get low in a stance, and move his feet in a way that could make him a lock down perimeter defender. He also possesses an elite ability to rebound and block shots. He will be able to switch onto quicker guards as well, which covers positions 1-4. What intrigues me even more is his potential at the 5. While he is very thin at 205 pounds, when he adds more muscle and strength, I could see him being a small ball five in time. Someone who has this ability could very well become a defensive player of the year some day.
Defense Acumen
According to Sports-Reference.com , per 100 possessions, Isaac averaged 16.5 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 3.4 blocks. For someone his size, these statistics show his elite ability to rebound and block shots due to his size, but also show his quickness and hand speed which leads to steals.
He becomes even more intriguing when you factor in his offensive skill-set. According to DraftExpress, he shot the three at a pretty average rate of 34.8%. While that is not horrible nor great, he has can stretch the floor. His non-perfect form is not a train-wreck. I believe that he will be an above average shooter in time. I enjoy his high release shooting motion.. In the short sample of times he was in iso situations at FSU, he managed his turnaround shot off due to his ability to shoot over defenders.
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Though he doesn’t really have a great handle, he showed the ability to create shots for himself. He uses his quick first step to burn closeouts and get to the rim for easy baskets. To create for himself, he frequently uses jab steps and hesitation dribbles to get his defender off balance so he can get his shot off. He wasn’t really featured that much in Florida State’s offense this year, but I think in time he could develop as a good third option, especially in Philly.
Jonathan Isaac Freshman Year Highlights
Issac’s Philly Fit
If you are reading this thinking, “there is no way the Sixers draft another big man!”, hear me out. Jonathan Isaac is different from your typical big. Someone who has that defensive versatility and also the ability to stretch the floor would be valued on almost any NBA team. Pairing someone like Isaac next to Embiid and Simmons would create a scary front court that would be a nightmare to score on.
Isaac would also be a good fit on the offensive side of the ball. He can stretch the floor and has the quickness to be a great slasher. He is also a very efficient scorer around the basket, and also one that can get out and run in transition for easy buckets.
Related Article: Sixers Stretch Four Draft Option – Jonathan Isaac
Though he does not have a great handle, he showed the ability to put the ball on the deck and pull up, which gives me confidence that he can become a better shot creator at the next level. When he is playing on bigger NBA 4s or if he can eventually play the 5, then that will make his offensive upside a lot greater. He will be able to use his quickness and speed to create shots for himself when opposed by bigger and slower defenders.
Conclusion
Jonathan Isaac is a great prospect. However, he definitely is not a perfect one. Defensively, I am not sure that another player in this class has more potential. I suspect Isaac possesses a potential small ball five within himself. Develop that, and he will be one of the most valuable players in the NBA. But is that an area for the Philadelphia 76ers shopping list?
Perhaps not.
Shooting? Under Construction
The Philadelphia 76ers are shopping for shooting. And that is an area still “under construction”. Offensively, he is still developing. However, based off of the tape I have seen of him, I think there is a lot of potential there as someone who can become a solid scorer in the NBA.
Don’t underestimate Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown. While he is a defensive mindset, Brown has the right patience to develop offense in young NBA players. And the Philadelphia 76ers are still young.
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Philadelphia is in a great spot at three as they are going to be picking from a big pool of talented players. Though I am not advocating that they must take Isaac as the third pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, I think they should really consider it. In the end, if he realizes his full potential, he becomes a franchise-making player.