Small forwards create tough decision
Three standouts could be available with No. 4 pick
DOUG HALLER
Four months ago, playing in the 23rd game of his college career, Jonathan Isaac contested a shot on the baseline in an Atlantic Coast Conference contest at Miami. After grabbing the loose-ball rebound, the Florida State freshman took off downcourt, leading the Seminoles in transition.
Head up, dribbling with his left hand, the 6-foot-11 Isaac read the ball screen at the top of the key. He pivoted left, facing the help defender, then darted toward the basket in a flash, splitting the Miami defenders, taking two more dribbles and laying the ball in with his right hand.
When asked about the sequence last week, Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton laughed. “That’s what he does all the time,” he said. “If it’s a critical part of the game, Jonathan seizes the moment.”
If the Suns decide to go with a small forward in the June 22 NBA draft, General Manager Ryan McDonough will have a difficult decision. In addition to Isaac, Josh Jackson of Kansas and Jayson Tatum of Duke bring just as impressive credentials. All freshmen, all talented and all could be available when the Suns select at No. 4.
Which one fits best? It might depend on what the Suns value most at this point in their rebuild. After finishing with the league’s second-worst record (aided by late-season resting of key players), increasing their playoff drought to a franchise-long seven years, the Suns have several areas of need. Their defense ranked among the NBA’s worst most of last season. Their 3-point shooting wasn’t much better.
Isaac, Jackson and Tatum could help, but in different areas with perhaps different timetables.
At 6-8, Jackson might be the best suited to help from the get go. He reminds ESPN college analyst Fran Fraschilla of former Phoenix favorite Shawn Marion, and in some ways the comparison fits. Jackson is quick off his feet, leading to put-back dunks and backdoor lobs.
But his real impact would come defensively. After the Suns dealt P.J. Tucker at the trade deadline, they lacked a versatile perimeter defender. Jackson is of that mold. He moves well laterally, cutting off guards after ball screens, and excels at reading passing lanes, which leads to transition opportunities. He also has the attitude needed to survive in the NBA, where a different challenge awaits every night.
(Off the court, Jackson recently agreed to take anger-management classes as part of a diversion agreement that stemmed from a criminal property-damage charge.)
“He’s competitive enough to lead the league in T’s next year, and that’s not totally a bad thing,” said Fraschilla, referring to technical fouls. “You want somebody that cares. Josh absolutely cares. He walks on the court trying to figure out who the toughest guy is out there and then he takes them on.”
Tatum’s not on the same level defensively. Not even close. At the same time, the 6-8 freshman might be the most polished scorer in the draft. Even at age 19, he has NBA moves, something he showcased in a non-conference December game against Florida. With six minutes left, Tatum posted up on the right side, backing down a smaller defender.
After two dribbles, he faked left, turned back the other direction, creating space from the defender, and drained a fading 15-foot jumper off one foot. It’s this type of shot-making that makes Tatum so attractive, and while his selection might not improve the Suns defensively, it likely would give them another offensive weapon to play alongside budding star Devin Booker.
“I love Jayson Tatum,” said ESPN college analyst LaPhonso Ellis, who played 11 NBA seasons. “He’s an exceptional rebounder. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how good a rebounder he is. He’s going to be a better defender, but the tools he has on the offensive end are just next level.”
Then there’s Isaac. He’s unique in his own right, one of the few first-round prospects with position flexibility. Isaac could play both forward positions, and once his body matures – Florida State listed him at 210 pounds last season – some think he even could play center in small lineups.
A late bloomer, Isaac started high school as a point guard. He didn’t dunk for the first time until he was a junior. As he grew, those guard skills never left. In a first-round NCAA Tournament win, Isaac showed off his versatility with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. For the season, he shot 34.8 percent from 3-point range.
“The thing that separates Jonathan is he has the mentality of a coach,” said Hamilton, who coached the Washington Wizards during the 2000-01 NBA season. “He knows how the game should be played. The ball never sticks in his hands. He shoots when he’s supposed to, he passes when he’s supposed to. He’s more concerned about winning than he is about stuffing his stats.”
Defensively, Hamilton had the Seminoles switch one through four (point guard to power forward) on screens, which meant Isaac had to defend perimeter players who were smaller and quicker. Hamilton said Isaac handled this with little problem. He expects the forward to do the same in the NBA, once he gets stronger.
“Jonathan’s a special individual,” Hamilton said. “The Suns would be very fortunate to get him – if he’s available.”
Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.