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NBA Mock Draft 2017: What If The New York Knicks Don’t Go Point Guard?

By Maxwell Ogden

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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Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Clemson Tigers guard Shelton Mitchell (4) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Clemson Tigers guard Shelton Mitchell (4) during the first half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 8: Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles

Position: Small Forward
Age: 19 (10/3/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 205 pounds, 7’1.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .508/.348/.780
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 12.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 3PM

By drafting Jonathan Isaac, the New York Knicks could build a starting frontcourt with three players who stand at 6’11” or taller. That size and length would be complemented by the fact that both Isaac and Kristaps Porzingis are capable 3-point shooters.

With the ability to stretch the floor and fill the passing lanes, the Knicks would make significant progress towards executing at the highest possible level on both ends of the floor.

As an individual defender, Isaac is capable of locking opponents down. He’ll need to add significant muscle mass to his frame, but he can excel as a stretch 4 who helps protect the rim and a true 3 who latches on to a perimeter scoring threat.

If Isaac puts in the work to fortify his defensive fundamentals and footwork, then he could be as much of a Unicorn as Kristaps Porzingis.

On offense, Isaac has the instincts of an elite scorer. He needs to polish his game, but Isaac reads defenses, navigates through traffic, finishes at the rim, and creates space in ways that display an advanced understanding of the game.

The Kevin Durant comparisons may be a bit of a stretch, but offensively, Isaac could be a taller and more athletic version of Gordon Hayward—a version that can shoot over the average defender.

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