2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery
By Chris Stone
Jonathan Isaac
SF/PF, Florida State
Head coach Tom Thibodeau should personally sprint from Minnesota to the podium on draft night if Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac falls into the Timberwolves’ lap at No. 7. The 6-foot-11 combo forward would be virtually the perfect piece for the team to add in between Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt. Isaac has a high defensive floor with the potential to spaces things on offense and open up lanes for Wiggins and Ricky Rubio.
Isaac is most intriguing because of what he’s sure to bring defensively. He has plenty of length to help disrupt opponents, but he’s also laterally quick enough to handle himself on the perimeter. Isaac used his physical tools to the tune of 2.3 blocks and 1.8 steals per 40 minutes as a freshman. Thibodeau should have a fun time figuring out how to utilize Isaac in defensive schemes to challenge opposing offenses.
On the other end, Isaac’s most likely outcome is as a role-player who can space the floor. He made 34.8 percent of his 3s last season, but shot it 78.0 percent from the foul line, so there’s some room for improvement. He’s also capable of beating close outs. At Florida State, Isaac was the third option in most lineups, so being relegated to something similar in the NBA shouldn’t be much of a problem.