A Royal Pain
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A Royal Prospect: Jonathan Isaac

By Tyler Watts

Jan 18, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reacts after a play during the second half against 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 a play during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reaches for the ball as Florida Gators forward/center Kevarrius Hayes (13) tries to shoot in the first half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. The Florida State Seminoles won 83-78. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reaches for the ball as Florida Gators forward/center Kevarrius Hayes (13) tries to shoot in the first half at the Donald L. Tucker Center. The Florida State Seminoles won 83-78. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports /

Strengths

Defense

I do not see a player in this draft class with as much defensive potential as Jonathan Isaac.  Isaac was measured at the Nike Hoops Summit in 2016 with a 7’1 wingspan and a nine-foot standing reach.  He is clearly a tall man, but he has speed and quickness to boot.  The defense is still raw in a few areas, but he has the skills to improve.  His size and speed combo allow him to make defending look effortless at times.

I love to see a player averaging 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game like Isaac did last year at Florida State.  That is a great block rate for a non-traditional rim protector.  If he can translate similar numbers in the NBA, he will be a pest on the defensive end.

The defensive versatility is a huge part of his game.  Isaac can guard any player one through four on the court.  He is a willing defender and has no problem switching on guards.  With the NBA’s transformation into position-less basketball, Isaac will be a valuable defensive asset to a team right away.

Isaac was a great rebounder at Florida State as well.  He attacked the glass and averaged 12.0 rebounds per 40 minutes last season.  A combo forward that is willing to pull down boards is another asset that will make Isaac intriguing to NBA clubs.

If there is one player in this draft class that turns into a defensive stopper a la Kawhi Leonard, my money is on Isaac to be that man.

Offense

Jonathan Isaac makes for an intriguing stretch four on the offensive end of the floor.  He is a great leaper as you saw in the highlight video with a nice looking jump shot.  His percentages at Florida State were not fabulous, but I think there is room for improvement there.

Isaac has no “elite” skill on offense according to DraftExpress, but he strikes me as a jack of all trades.  He is hard to deal with in transition and has a so-so handle.  Isaac can shoot a little bit and can play above the rim.  Nothing jumps out as that will be his outstanding skill in the league, but he can do a bit of everything on offense.

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