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
If this slide were to state what the Minnesota Timberwolves should do, then Lauri Markkanen would be the selection. If this slide were to state what the Timberwolves likely will do, then Jonathan Isaac is the most likely player to be drafted.
Based on the college system he’s emerging from and the defensive potential he possesses, it’s Isaac who gets the nod at No. 8 overall—much lower than his rank on Daily Knicks’ big board.
Standing at 6’11” with a 7’1.25″ wingspan, Isaac is the ideal muscle mass away from being able to play power forward in the modern era. He also possesses the mobility and range to defend small forwards on a full-time basis.
If the Timberwolves were to shift Andrew Wiggins over to shooting guard, then Isaac could start at small forward and provide a Paul George-like impact on defense.
I’m more inclined to put Markkanen here due to Minnesota’s desperate need for shooting, but Isaac is the type of player Tom Thibodeau covets. It’s also worth noting that Isaac played in a motion offense that asked him to play off-ball at Florida State—a role he’d emulate in Minnesota.
The New York Knicks would be hard-pressed to let Isaac slip any further than No. 8, but in this scenario, the Timberwolves invest in his All-NBA and All-Defensive Team potential.
In light of the Philadelphia 76ers stocking up on young players with elite size and potential, Minnesota does the same.