[high floorParticipant]

Jonathan Isaac’s last game was an eye opener for me. The knocks on his game have varied from his lack of physicality, slight frame, and sometimes a lack of initiative on the offensive end. Kind of Otto Porter-ish… (who is actually playing really well for Washington this year) but irregardless a promising talent that can make an impact in college and one day in the pros.

Fast-forward to his recent performance against a quality Notre Dame team, and damn… he put on a frickin’ show. He was pulling up off the dribble, spotting up from all different distances and positions on the floor, driving to the basket, pushing the ball like a race-horse in transition, and best of all, he blocked SEVEN shots in very impressive fashion.

With a few more performances similar to last game, does anyone here think he can realistically jump Josh Jackson in the nba draft pecking order?? I really like Jackson, but Isaac showed me a versatility to his game that could make this question a true toss-up. Simply put, I’m starting to believe he has a higher ceiling specifically as a wing scorer than Jackson.

Would love to hear your thoughts.  

[MatosParticipant]

There are some mocks which already have him ahead of Josh Jackson. Personally, I’m still sold on Josh Jackson becoming a great pro player though.

[Anton123Participant]

I think he is a very high-risk pick. He doesn’t really have a killer instinct and will often have games where he makes very little impact. 

I also think he is more of a 4. Offensively he almost exclusively shoots jumpers and never drives into the paint, defensively his shotblocking will translate better if he plays the 4. So I don’t really see him as a wing right now.

He is, however, too weak to play the 4 in the NBA and he doesn’t really seem tough enough to be a big man full-time. He is basically a tweener with high potential, If I want a PF I would take Ivan Rabb or Lauri Markkanen over him, if I want a SF, I would take both Jackson, Tatum and maybe even Bacon over him.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

 Now, I wouldn’t take him over Jackson because he can simply create his own shot much better than Isaac while still offering point-forward and defensive skills but I do not think Isaac isn’t tough by any means.

My favorite thing about Isaac, which has made me do a 180º turn-around on him, is that he’s doing all the little things that helps a team win. He’s boxing out everytime defensively, looking to put a body on an opposing player and using his length to snare rebounds. He has a incredible 24.1% defensive rebound percentage that would probably make him the best rebounding SF in a couple of years but more interestingly, would also make him an above-average rebounding PF and it leads me to also thinking Isaac should actually be a power forward full time instead. He’s also been an unconviential rim-protector too, with a 6.8% block percentage and realy utilizing and understanding verticality with maximizing his length going straight up.

 Then his activity on defense, especially off-ball is wonderful. I’ve seen him get burnt by quicker small forward, for example when Temple beat Florida State, it was because Quinton Rose, an athletic 6’8 185 lb forward, got matched up with him down the stretch of the game after he had be guarding Dingle and Enechionyia for the entire game. He just lacks the foot speed to stay in front of elite slashing forward, which only furthers my point of him being a four. But off-the-ball, he’s consistentally help and his close-out and recovery are a thing of beauty for a freshman. His length guarding in-bounders is insane as well. Then, he a sneaky good passer. He’ll never rack up assist since he can’t turn the corner to make plays but he’ll move the ball and has shown nice post-entry skills. 

Right now, I see him as the 4th best prospect behind Fultz, Jackson and Smith. In the same tier as a Tatum, except I rather have a player who doens’t need the ball in his hands to be effective and the length is just more effective to have. I do wish he’d develop some post moves though to keep defenses honest and not go into small ball line-ups where he wouldn’t have the advantage over slower power forwards.

[Robb_CParticipant]

 Notre Dame came out and played uninspired basketball vs Florida St, Isaac took full advantage of the fact and played very well. I believe Isaac is a raw talent with great tools and potentially could be a very solid contributor in the league.. He absolutely settles on jumpshots and struggles putting the pull on the ground with his left hand.. Lacks some basic fundamentals you would like to see in a top 5 pick..

[HitsterParticipant]

Isaac could go ahead of Josh if he continues to play well or a team has a greater need for him than Josh. Personally I’d have Josh higher but with all those PGs at the top of the draft, some team is going to want a player who gives frontcourt options so Isaac could go very high.

[binetParticipant]

 Probably able to play both forward spots, particularly interesting at the 4 in the small ball era. I think he can already be taken ahead of Jackson by a team in need of a 4 (Boston?).

His role is more limited than the other hyped SFs (Tatum, Isaac), so he is less exposed and set up to show only flashes of good plus his great tools (athleticism and size). He seems to be the better shooter right now, that’s a plus.

I personally remain with the order Jackson>Isaac>Tatum right now, but I think all 3 could end up the first picked up. Tatum is the only one I could see out of the top 10 though (that’s what shows this draft is unreal, a guy like Tatum not a top 10 lock…).

[Robb_CParticipant]

 I would pass on Isaac, He should return for his soph year.. Really lacks the fundamentals to be successful in the league.. Hes a bit if a one dimensional prospect right now, he will be exploited in the league.. Id pass.. 

He’s a player that needs to develop on a college basketball court not on an NBA Bench..

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

its not 2004 anymore 

[holefillers1Participant]

 Isaac has near the same potential as Ingram did last year.  His current slot in the mocks speaks to the depth at the top of this draft.  I think what keeps it close is Josh Jackson’s floor.  He already has a defined NBA skill set with his defense.  Where as Isaac has fluidity to his offense, his overall game is a still raw.  I couldn’t pick one over the other at this point.  A lot of guys Isaac’s size end up being energy players, role players.   If he can play on the wing and and also be a plus defender then I would draft him over JJ. Actually if he could do those things in the NBA I might draft him first.

[Anton123Participant]

Ingram was a year younger and was playing better.

[holefillers1Participant]

 No doubt but as far as styles Ingram looks to slash to the rim and turn the corner on a defender. Isaac has that heads up style like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.  Intriguing with his size and offensive potential. He might never mature to be the ball handler of those two but their style seems to serve them well on the defensive end as well.  When I watch him I see a similar style in his game. 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

i think ingram is more wiry but also stronger.  Ingram looks like a tennis player’s body.  

Isaac looks like he needs to get stronger everywhere.  

But for the Sixers I like the fact that he rebounds but I don’t need him battling 3s and 4s.  I see him as a Shaun Livingston type.  He will be a perimeter player for Philly that will be able to get his shot over smaller guards, just like Ingram…

Ingram’s stroke was so smooth last year but I’m not surprised it hasn’t translated as well because you need your legs to shoot and Ingram is a young rookie and his body is still developing.  When he gets his legs under him and his wrists stablize by strength he will be better.

I like Isaac a lot as a propsect specifically for Philly….because he can shoot and he won’t have to do too much.  His weaknesses won’t be exposed because I think he will be fine using his length to guard 1s and 2s.  

Simmons is the shot creator and Isaac faaaaar better than Tatum has shown he can play without begging for the ball in his hands.  

Philly needs guys that can play off the ball and I like Isaac and Monk specifically to fill those roles. 

I love Monk’s athleticism, and Isaac’s court awareness.  Two perfect fits I hope it happens man.

Lakers and Kings, be good to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[holefillers1Participant]

 I like your assessment Slick.  If Smith or Fultz isnt in the cards, I’m rolling with those guys

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I still think Jackson is the overall better prospect and player but the one area where Isaac is clearly ahead of him is his ability to shoot the ball. If a team thinks that Jackson’s jump shot is broken and can’t be fixed, they may be tempted to take Isaac ahead of him.

[nill650Participant]

His need to get stronger hurts him some if teams see him as a 4.

Not likely he passes Giles.

He might pass up Tatum as the 2nd sf off the board to the right org.

to leap frog Jackson seems possible but not probable as Isaak is playing really well and showing flashes of a more complete game, he is an intricate part of fsu success thusfar.

 Jackson still wins with the intangibles , motor, athletism, defensive efficiency cards imo

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I’m starting to hop on the bandwagon. I didnt see much from Isaac the first few times I watched him but against Notre Dame he showed a real toughness and competitive level that in my mind increases his value a ton. Although Im not sure he will leapfrog Jackson he defenitely has a chance. The league loves these new PF’s and after watching Chriss rise so high last year dont be surprised if a team like Minnesota covets a stretch PF like Isaac.

There’s a few holes in his game that need to fixed up. When your 6’9 and up playing like a gaurd you have to keep your dribble low and he seems to be in a straight up stance. His handle is loose compared to Ingram as well. I havent seen him shoot off the dribble much or off of screens much but I havent watched him enough to be comfortable with that criticism. He doesn’t seem like much of a playmaker, three things you want your stretch PF to do is shoot, attack closeouts and pass well. Also needs to add strength in order to play PF or he will be forced to play SF where he no longer has above average guard perimeter skills and is no longer a matchup nightmare. That’s why Ingram is strung in the NBA but he is about 15-20 pounds heavier than Ingram and should be able to play PF.

Btw he is a completely different player than Ingram. Isaac is a defensive nightmare and more of a spotty shooter. I don’t think he will be a superstar but more like an ultimate roleplayer. He would be a good fit for Minnesota.

[Robb_CParticipant]

 I agree, I think Isaac is perfect in Thibodeaus system.. I believe he can develop him properly.

[princejamesParticipant]

Jonathan Issac has big time talent and great upside, a versatile offensive player who can impact the game as a shooter, ball-handler, passer, slasher, solid scorer, post-up threat, play maker, athletic finisher, shot blocker, rebounder, etc.

He’s a combo forward who has the do it all versatility that allows him to be effective and dynamic all over the basketball court. He can also defend multiple positions 2 threw 4. He listed at 6’10”, but he looks like he might be a legit 7’0” and possibly still growing. At the moment, at times he’s inconsistent, and he’s still learning how to efficiently utilize his dynamic skills and athletism against other high level athletes

I don’t see him becoming a bust, because he plays a smart game in which he consistently tries to make decision that are not detrimental to his team, with the goal of making the right play

He needs to get stonger though, right now he can be easily pushed around, and at the momemt he also doesn’t do anything great, and does everything at a good or solid level

I think his ball-handling skills, shooting touch, size and athleticism, will eventually become his greatest assests as he continues to grow into a better player

When he is aggressive and uses his creativity and scoring instincts, he handles the ball a little like KD and shows underrated shooting touch, and underreated shot creating ability

He might possess more potential than Josh Jackson, and could eventually end up being the better player

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I am dreaming of a Lonzo Ball, Jonathan Isaac, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid Showtime super team with McConnell, Josh Hart, Robert Covington, TJ Leaf,  Nerlens Noel, and Tacko Fall off the bench.  

 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

Saw parts of 2 different FSU games this week. He’s definitely going to be a riser on draft boards.

He has the physical profile that some scout or GM in the top 5 is going to fall in love with after the combine and individual workouts. His stroke is very compact and pure, he runs well, and can get off the ground well. His stock is already rising, but once he gets in those settings that really highlight his strengths, he’s going to keep trending up.

[VintageKobeParticipant]

 Been watching him recently and I think if he keeps playing like this he’s a lock to jump Josh. He’s got youth, length and shooting over him. I like Josh but the league values shooting so much now 

[VintageKobeParticipant]

 Been watching him recently and I think if he keeps playing like this he’s a lock to jump Josh. He’s got youth, length and shooting over him. I like Josh but the league values shooting so much now 

[Sewok15Participant]

I not only think that he can but I think that he will. He has tons of potential on both ends of the court. You always hear people talking about a player that can stretch the defense and defend the rim being tough to find. Isaac could be a mix of Rashard Lewis on offense and Nerlens Noel on D. 

 I think the only thing stopping him from being mentioned as a top 3 lock other than the obvious factor of how great this draft class is would be the fact that he is rail thin. He put on 25 pounds since he came to FSU but he is still crazy skinny so hopefully he can keep getting stronger…and hopefully he falls into the Sixers laps…he would be a perfect player to fit with Embiid and Simmons. 

[BeastMode716Participant]

 I think Isaac could leapfrog Tatum. 

Jackson I see as more of a 2/3 SG/SF Wing Hybrid like a Much higher Level Bembry from last years Draft.

Isaac is a 3/4 SF/PF. But both prob play the Wing in the Pro’s & Isaac can def shoot a Lot better than Jackson

I really like Both guys as Pro’s but I would still take Jackson b/c what he brings is just so rare. Isaac could be a more athletic version of 2016 – #2 overall pic Brandon Ingram.  So I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

I’d LUV to have Jackson in my locker room though, his energy, leadership & competetiveness are becoming legendary at Kansas & he can give you So many things on a basketball court that effect winning games with Out scoring.

 The idea that you can just stick Jackson on the opposing teams’ Best perimeter player every single night is too much to pass up for me. And maybe we can Rebuild his shot like the Pelicans did with the Unibrow who could not shoot a lick when he left Kentucky. But Isaac is making it a Tougher choice Every single day. 

 

 

 

 

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

I think Jackson’s shot is easier to fix than Isaac’s body is dependable.

Jackson is a stud defender and competitor, which means he will be in the gym working on that shot, and from what I’ve seen, he hits big shots when they matter.

Also, to this day Durant is plagued by his lack of strength.  His length helps, but Lebron can shut Durant down at will and so can Kawhi if they play 1 on 1.  

Jackson is a strong finisher at the rim.  Its beautiful to watch.  He is a great finisher at the rim and he is strong.  I think the shot will fall.  I’ll take competitiveness, athleticism, strength, and top notch defense.  He is also a great team player.

Isaac can do it all but just sin’t strong enough right now…

So, the reason I mention Isaac for Philly is because I assume Jackson won’t be there.  Jackson is likely a definitely top 3 pick.  I see Philly picking between 5 and 9 twice.  I really hope Isaac and Monk are there…

but I honestly see Isaac myself as a better prospect than Ball and Smith.

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Author]

Posts