NBA Draft 2020: Big Board 1.0

As a general rule of thumb: run-of-the-mill big men are less valuable now than ever before. Even as some teams — the Philadelphia 76ers included — turn to bigger lineups, it’s difficult for big men without modern versatility or an elite skill to thrive.

Isaiah Stewart isn’t ‘run of the mill’, but he doesn’t stand out in the most important areas. At 6-foot-9, his 245-pound build and 7-foot-4 wingspan are undeniable. Those are NBA physical tools. But his ability to defend in space, his conditioning and his perimeter skill are unproven.

In the end, Stewart will provide value as a high-energy rim protector who scores efficiently inside. His work ethic and effort levels are well documented, which should leave optimism regarding his conditioning and athleticism. Those are areas he will work to improve and maintain.