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New York Knicks: 5 Reasons To Select Jonathan Isaac In 2017 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

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 /
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Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Heir Apparent

No matter which side you’re on in the Carmelo Anthony versus Phil Jackson feud, one thing is undeniable: at some point in the near future, an heir apparent will need to be found. Love him, hate him, or feel indifferent about him, Anthony is closer to the end than the beginning.

By drafting Jonathan Isaac, the Knicks would address the need for forward thinking and preparation for the next phase of the vision.

At some point in the near future, Anthony is going to either make the move to power forward or get traded by the Knicks. He’ll turn 33 years of age on May 29 and has 14 years of NBA wear and tear—976 regular season and 66 postseason games—on his body.

Anthony is already struggling to defend the perimeter, which could make the defensive-minded Isaac the ideal player to slide in at the 3 spot if ‘Melo moves to the 4.

In the event that Anthony is traded this summer, then the Knicks will need a small forward to replace him as a future franchise player. Even if Anthony isn’t traded, he’ll be eligible for free agency in 2018 and has a player option for 2018-19.

One way or another, Anthony’s time as the Knicks’ starting small forward will end in the near future. Isaac could be the ideal replacement.

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