Jonathan Isaac gives the Magic a perfect role player for modern NBA

The Orlando Magic selected Jonathan Isaac with the No. 6 pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Isaac was a standout from Florida State whose length attracted scouts.

Isaac’s numbers were rarely gaudy, but drafting Isaac requires patience. It’s not about where his game is right now, but where it may be in five years.

Isaac averaged 12 points on 50 percent shooting and eight rebounds (two offensive) per game for the Seminoles. He was also a solid 78 percent from the free throw line, and 35 percent from three-point range as well. He has plenty of upside to build on.

His biggest game in college came in a conference game in January against Notre Dame. Florida State won by three points, and Isaac was ultra efficient while racking up a double-double. He shot 7 of 9 from the field for 23 points to go along with his 10 boards.

That game was reflective of the type of damage he can do in the NBA.

Isaac looks and feels the part of the modern NBA forward coaches are dreaming of getting on their roster. He’s 6’11 with a 7’1 wingspan, giving him center size at the small forward position. That gives him great size to work with on the offensive boards and he also has the mobility to push rebounds into fast break opportunities.

When you look at the athletic freak forwards of the NBA, Isaac fits the mold with his unicorn potential. SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell believes Isaac could be the perfect role player for the modern NBA.

While his size offers promise, the tools aren’t all there for Isaac on the offensive end. He isn’t much of a playmaker, like we rave about from other length freaks like Giannis Antetokounmpo. He averaged just one assist per game.

Isaac also has a slim build, weighing just 205 pounds, and he lacks the explosiveness to get by the forwards who are likely to guard him. He’ll have to add muscle to fully reap the benefits of his unique frame.

He’ll need to gain consistency in his jump shot as well. Though a 35 percent three-point shooter in college, he only took 89 of them (less than three per game). He went through a five-game stretch in December where he made just 3 of 14 attempts.

Isaac chose to play for Florida State despite offers from Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Duke. At the time, it was seen as a major surprise.

There was also a chance that Isaac would attempt to declare straight for the NBA draft out of high school due to his status as a fifth-year high school prep senior. It ultimately failed and Isaac went to FSU instead.