Sacramento Kings: 5 options for pick No. 5 in 2017 NBA Draft
4. Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, Florida State
College stats: 32 GP, 12 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.5 TOV, 50.8 FG%, 34.8 3P%, 78 FT%
Versatility is the most valuable trait teams are looking for in today’s NBA and Jonathan Isaac may be the epitome of that in this year’s draft.
While he has the appearance of a new-age center, Isaac boasts an incredibly intriguing skill set in regards to his athleticism, movement and fluidity that helps him hold his own when defending bigs, wings and even guards. Combining that with his defensive awareness and high intensity, Isaac stands as one of the most versatile and high-level defenders in this draft class.
Offensively, Isaac possesses a similar versatility, possessing an array of skills that are becoming the norm for a player of his caliber and size.
Although consistency is a bit of an issue for him at this point, Isaac is an effective offensive threat without the ball, can space the floor reasonably well and has the makings of being able to create his own shot and for others to some extent.
But the level of player Isaac can become offensively is one of the bigger concerns revolving around him in this process. Some of that may be due to his role with the Seminoles this year, as he played as more of a complementary piece rather than a featured option. There are also the issues over his strength and his physicality, which will certainly be addressed when he reaches the next level.
When it comes down to it, it’d be curious to see what use the Kings would have for Isaac, despite the diverse range of skills he possesses.
That isn’t to say Isaac wouldn’t be worthy of being selected fifth overall, but considering they have other positions of need as well as a promising frontcourt in place, the Kings might be better served looking elsewhere if they can take a high caliber player at a position of greater need.