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OKC Thunder: Isaiah Todd could be the steal of 2021 NBA Draft

By Rylan Stiles

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Isiah Todd #7 of the G League Ignite OKC Thunder Draft Target (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Isiah Todd #7 of the G League Ignite OKC Thunder Draft Target (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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OKC Thunder
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Isiah Todd #7 of the G League Ignite OKC Thunder Target (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

Isaiah Todd strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

Isaiah Todd is a supreme athlete who can blow by defenders on his way to the rim. Once he is at the rack, Todd is a strong finisher. His ability to absorb contact and power through is second to none. The G-League Ignite product also flashes an ability to keep defenses off balance with a feathery touch around the rim. As defenses gear up to stop him running down the lane like a locomotive, Todd can also pull up for a soft floater. His unpredictability allows him to thrive as an isolation scorer.

For his size, Isaiah Todd grades out as a plus ball-handler and an advanced passer making him the versatile forward, which at this point is a prerequisite for a Mark Daigneault-led team. While his 0.8 assists per game do not show it, Todd is a capable passer that understands how to inject flow into an offense. The ball doesn’t “stick” to the 19-year-old thanks to his quick decision-making.

One of his best traits offensively is his ability to be a modern wing, his catch and shoot numbers are off the charts, and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s elite drive-and-kick ability, the pair could do damage to NBA Defenses.

At 19 years old, there is still untapped potential. With his offensive arsenal and his frame, a good developmental staff (which the Thunder have) could turn him into a go-to scorer at the NBA level.

Weaknesses:

In the G-Leauge Bubble, Isaiah Todd struggled with shot selection, at times he pressed and just simply tried to do too much. When the season was cut short, these young Ignite prospects only had a handful of games to impress NBA teams, while battling for minutes on coach Shaw’s squad littered with former NBA veterans. It led to some questionable decisions from Todd.

While his floor spacing is great offensively giving SGA a drive and kick option, Todd rarely crashes the glass as a play concludes. Which leads to his low rebound output for his size. Teams have to find the answer as to if the lack of attacking the glass is a product of coach Shaw’s system, or is Todd an unwilling board grabber?

As is the case with most prospects questions surround Todd as to how his defense will translate to the NBA game. At 6’8, 219 pounds is he big enough to switch onto centers? Maybe not. Is he at least fast enough to switch onto guards? That is also unlikely. Leaving him in an awkward middle ground, at least to start his career.

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