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New York Knicks: Full 2017 NBA Mock Draft With Upside Comparisons

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) boxes out against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc-Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) boxes out against Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Marc-Eddy Norelia (25) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Sacramento Kings: Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Paul George
Safe Upside Comparison: Marvin Williams
Position: Forward
Age: 19 (10/3/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 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, 1.2 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.0 3PM

This would be nothing short of a dream scenario for the Sacramento Kings in the 2017 NBA Draft. De’Aaron Fox has superstar potential at the point guard position, and one could make the same statement about small forward Jonathan Isaac.

Isaac is significantly higher on my personal big board than this, but in this scenario, he’s the player who slips to the end of the Top 10 in 2017.

Isaac’s ultimate upside comparison is Indiana Pacers star Paul George, who shares his unique combination of size and skill. George is an elite on-ball defender, capable 3-point shooter, and dangerous slasher, and Isaac checks all of those boxes.

The fundamental nuances to Isaac’s offensive game are more comparable to Gordon Hayward, but the factor of defense brings him closer to George.

A more realistic upside comparison for Isaac is Marvin Williams. Some may look to Williams’ debatable draft bust status, but he’s become one of the best hybrid forwards in the NBA with defensive value, a strong outside shot, and positive influence in multiple phases of the game.

Some have labeled Isaac as a boom or bust prospect, but he has the fundamentals of an effective NBA player—one whom the New York Knicks will seriously consider.

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