Boston Celtics draft prospects: Making a case for Jonathan Isaac at No. 3
By Riley Culler
Jonathan Isaac would look great in a Boston Celtics uniform, but is he worth the No. 3 pick?
If the Boston Celtics love his upside, why not?
Jonathan Isaac is only 19, he’s 6’11” but only weighs 210 lbs. Of course, he will need to bulk up, but Isaac could be the next Kevin Durant. His lengthy frame matched with the ability to shot the ball well are his key attributes, and being a generous teammate.
Isaac grew up playing as a point guard, so of course, he developed the abilities to take the ball down the court and be the floor general. Isaac hit a massive growth spurt late in his high school career, which is why at 6’11” he almost still plays like a guard.
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While that is a plus, he is still developing the skills of playing the 4 or 5 spot. Being skinny and not used to going up against big men, Isaac will need to improve his game down low.
Boston needs larger players and everyone knows that but has good a defender as Isaac is, he is too skinny to guard NBA PF/C’s down low.
Measurements
Jonathan Isaac: Age 19 | 6’11” | 210 lbs | 7’2″ Wingspan | 9’1″ Reach |
Stats – 32 Games played as a freshman at Florida State
| 12 PPG | 8 RPG | 1 APG | 2 BPG |
| FG% 50.8 | 3P% 34.8 | FT% 78.0 |
Vs. Ranked Opponents (6 Games / 5-1)
| 14 PPG | 9 RPG | 2 APG | 2 BPG | 55.3 FG% (26/47) |
ACC Tourney & NCAA Tournament (4 Games / 2-2)
| 10 PPG | 12 RPG | 2 APG | 2 BPG | 42.9 FG% (15/35) |
Strengths, Weaknesses, and overall review of Isaac’s short collegiate career.
As mentioned before, Isaac grew up a guard so you can ignore the fact he’s 6’11”, he is a scorer and an incredible ball handler. Isaac’s stats weren’t as great in his year at FSU because rather than just keep being a scorer, Isaac worked a lot on his down low play. Now for the NBA, he needs to hit the weight room.
The best comparison I can think of is Al Horford, a big man who can shoot assist rebound, basically do it all, but are not a physical presence down lowHere is Director of Scouting Mike Schmitz breaking down Isaac’s film.
His stats are lower than most because this was FSU’s best basketball teams in decades. Talent all around (for the usual FSU basketball team) and Isaac isn’t a ball hog. But can he help Boston? While Boston needs bigger men, Isaac isn’t there yet.
Isaac is unlikely to go to the Celtics, if Boston does trade down (as reported late Saturday night) it’ll be to get Josh Jackson. If by some miracle the Laker’s take Jackson at 2, Boston may target Isaac or Tatum at that No. 3 spot (due to the reported trade with the76ers).
Next: Boston Celtics: The perfect scenario if the No. 1 pick is traded
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