With the 2017 NBA Draft just over two weeks away, it’s time to look at prospects who could find themselves wearing a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform in the 2017-18 season.
The first prospect nearly everyone in Minnesota seems to gravitate toward is Florida State forward Jonathan Isaac. The 6-foot-11, 209-pound, 19-year-old averaged 12 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in his only year with the Seminoles. His play led Florida State to a 26-9 record and its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012.
Why Would Isaac be a Good Fit in Minnesota?
In his end of season press conference, head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau made it clear where he felt his team needed to improve: defense and shooting. There might not be a better prospect in this year’s draft on the defensive end. His steal and block totals jump off the page, and more importantly, his frame suggests he could be a very good on-ball defender in the NBA. Thibodeau selected Kris Dunn in last year’s draft — his first in Minnesota — and Isaac would certainly follow the trend of picking for defensive potential. Pairing Isaac with Dunn would send a strong message of what Thibodeau envisions his team to look like.
Where would he fit on the current roster?
Like Dunn in his rookie season, it is extremely unlikely that Isaac would walk into the starting lineup. Depending on what happens this offseason and the status of Zach LaVine’s knee, it is possible the Timberwolves would slide Andrew Wiggins to the guard position and start Isaac at small forward. It would give the starting lineup incredible length, but the shooting might suffer too much to make it worth it. Down the road, it’s reasonable to expect Isaac to be able to play the power forward position, but until he adds more muscle, it’s hard to see that happen. Isaac would not have to score to make an impact for Minnesota; he could step in and immediately be the team’s best wing defender.
Why Would Isaac Not be a Good Fit in Minnesota?
Unfortunately for Isaac, while he fits Thibodeau’s need for defense, his shooting does not stand out in the same way. His 50.8 percent shooting is nothing to be concerned about and his 78 percent free-throw shooting is more than acceptable for a college freshman. While his 34.8 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line looks decent enough, it’s important to remember that is from the college distance and some regression is expected from the NBA distance. For a Timberwolves team that finished last in the NBA with 7.3 made 3-pointers last season, a better shooter might be more tempting with the No. 7 overall pick. Expect the Wolves to look to add at least one perimeter shooter, as well a forward with a frame similar to Isaac’s this offseason. It will be interesting to see which they address in the draft.
Will he be Available at pick No. 7?
Perhaps the most important question to ask is if Isaac will even be available when the Wolves are on the clock on draft night. With a handful of talented point guards and two other small forwards (Josh Jackson of Kansas and Jayson Tatum of Duke) on the board, it would be somewhat surprising to see Isaac selected in the top-five. However, Orlando at the sixth pick makes quite a bit of sense as a landing spot for Isaac. After their failed experiment with Serge Ibaka, the Magic seemed to commit to Aaron Gordon at the power forward position, leaving the small forward spot up for grabs. The team need — combined with the idea of keeping Isaac in the state of Florida — suggests Orlando may strongly consider taking Isaac one pick ahead of Minnesota. If Orlando doesn’t pull the trigger, the Wolves should have the option to select Isaac.
