2021 NBA Draft — 25. Isaiah Jackson, LA Clippers
Serge Ibaka was sidelined for a large chunk of the season, and Ivica Zubac has seen his role fluctuate in the postseason. The Clippers would be wise to bolster the frontcourt, even if Isaiah Jackson isn’t ready to contribute in year one. He’s a monster athlete and a great long-term intrigue piece alongside LA’s veteran core.
At 6-foot-11, Jackson wields a 7-foot-3 wingspan and explosive leaping ability to his advantage on defense. He’s still foul-prone and undisciplined, but the shot-blocking potential is plain to see. On offense, Jackson is easy to envision as a rim-running lob threat, not dissimilar to how Zubac is currently deployed.
Jackson is still 18 years old and is a prestige recruit out of Kentucky. There’s reason to believe he can develop into a real two-way staple over time. LA does not need his services right away, so a short wait is palatable.