2017 NBA Mock Draft: The worst picks every team can make

Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac will be a top 10 pick because of potential to be an elite level role-player in the NBA. The 6-foot-11 combo forward has all of the tools that teams are looking for in someone who can defend multiple positions, space the floor a bit on offense and not dominate the ball. Isaac averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.8 steals per 40 minutes for the Seminoles while showing himself capable of sliding out on the perimeter against smaller opponents. There is even a solid chance that with added strength Isaac will develop into a modern day center who closes games in that position, but maybe doesn’t start them there. He also produced solid numbers on the offensive end where he shot 34.8 percent on 3s and flashed the ability to attack close outs in a straight line.

Isaac’s fit in Orlando, though, is a problem of asset duplication. After trading Serge Ibaka, the Magic settled into playing Aaron Gordon more as a small ball power forward, his best position. Gordon is still just 21-years old with plenty of room to grow and mature as a basketball player. Bringing in Isaac to compete at that spot would run the risk of hindering both of their development curves. If Orlando brings Isaac in to primarily play small forward, the franchise runs the risk of missing out on much of his defensive upside. The 19-year old can keep up on the perimeter, but it’s not clear that he’s ready for that responsibility full time against NBA athletes.

Learn more about Jonathan Isaac at The Step Back.