NBA Draft 2020: Big Board 2.0

30. ISAIAH STEWART, Big, Washington

The “traditional center,” however you choose to define that term, is a dying breed. It’s therefore difficult to peg Isaiah Stewart much higher than this, even if his college production is indicative of a higher-ranked prospect. His ceiling is simply too limited.

A hulking 7-footer with enough brawn to compete with the NBA’s most physical centers, Stewart should have no trouble holding his own inside. He’s a nifty post scorer, and equally adept post defender, and his skill set is fairly well-rounded. He can hit a jumper every now and then, and he’s a willing passer.

The question for Stewart is his fit defensively. A good post defender simply isn’t enough to insure a positive impact in the modern NBA. Stewart didn’t defend in space a ton at Washington, so his ability to hold against spread-out NBA offenses is a valid concern. He also won’t get as many post-up opportunities at the next level. He will need to make his jumper a reliable option and do more as a roll man.