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NBA Player Comparison: Jonathan Isaac

By Michael James

Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) looks to take the shot during the first half against the Clemson Tigers 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 take the shot during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hardwood Houdini NBA player comparisons

Florida State forward Jonathan Isaac is one of the most intriguing prospects expected to be in the 2017 NBA Draft. He has great size at 6’10”, and has guard skills that make him a dangerous player with unlimited potential.

Here I will compare him to players that have played in the NBA based on his skills and physical tools. There will be a best case scenario comparison, and a more realistic comparison. Isaac will most likely end up somewhere in the middle of these two.

Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles around the arch against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles around the arch against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Case Scenario: Paul George

Like George, Isaac has great size and ball skills that allows him to a versatile player for his team. George can play as many as four different positions for the Pacers, and that can be Isaac’s potential in the NBA if all goes well. They are both great shooters, and can get their own shots off of the dribble.

On defense, George is an all defensive player in the NBA. Isaac plays solid defense, and has all the tools to become the same two way star that George has become. George has about ten pounds on Isaac in muscle, so Isaac will have to bulk up if he hopes to reach his full potential. If not, he’ll limit his upside because other players can move him easily on both ends.

Isaac can become one of the most versatile players in this draft if he bulks up because he could play power forward. He could be a match up nightmare if he can guard power forwards, and then punish them with his guard skills. Everything hinges on Isaac’s ability to add muscle. If he can’t stay on the floor, he won’t develop the rest of his game as quickly.

Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) dribbles as Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) dribbles as Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Realistic Comparison: Brandon Ingram

It’s still early for Ingram, but he is an example of a player who’s development might take a while due to his physical limitations. Isaac weighs 20 pounds heavier than Ingram, so it might be easier to keep up right away. Isaac is similar to Isaac in his offensive skill set. Ingram could probably play three positions or so, but his slim frame limits him from guarding bigger players.

Ingram still has superstar potential just like Isaac, but they could both have similar career paths if they don’t fill out their respective frames. Delaying development is never a good thing for young players. Just look at Otto Porter and Andre Iguodala. They could have been great players but might only be considered as “good.” That is not something you use a top five pick on.

Next: HH Big Board 1.0

Overall, I think Isaac has a better chance at becoming George than Ingram. He already has a pretty respectable frame, so he won’t need to work too hard to fill it. Also, his guard skills at that size is what makes him a tantalizing prospect that will make teams consider him from the very start of the draft.