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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) gets the rebound against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reacts after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reacts after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Jonathan Isaac at The Step Back.

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9

Jonathan Isaac

SF/PF, Florida State

Lottery odds: 1.7 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

While the Dallas Mavericks might be hoping to land a point guard in the 2017 draft, having Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac fall into their laps at the No. 9 pick would be a pretty excellent outcome. A frontline of the future that features Harrison Barnes, Isaac and Nerlens Noel would give Dallas an interesting core to build around as it transitions into the post-Dirk Nowitzki era.

Assuming that he can add some weight to his frame, Isaac should fit in perfectly as a power forward. His length will make a difference there defensively. At 6-foot-11, Isaac has become a very good weak side rim protector. He averaged 2.3 blocks in addition to 1.8 steals per 40 minutes as a freshman. Combining that with Noel’s obvious defensive talent could give the Mavericks an elite unit long-term.

Offensively, Isaac can slide is as a roleplayer as he did with the Seminoles. He was impressively efficient on a low usage rate as Florida State’s roster had a few ball-dominant guards. Isaac can help space the floor at the power forward spot as well. He made 34.8 percent of his 3s and shot it well from the foul line, suggesting he could improve.

Learn more about Jonathan Isaac at The Step Back.