OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Isaiah Jackson

Next up in our annual OKC Thunder prospect profile series is Kentucky forward Isaiah Jackson.

With the NBA Draft just a week away there are lots of shifts occurring on mock drafts. That movement might have a lot to do with the teams who possess numerous picks such as the Thunder. No team will make more selections as Sam Presti has six choices assuming he keeps them all.

One of the prospects who is garnering attention from the Thunder is Jackson who had a strong season in Kentucky and has impressed in draft workouts.

OKC Thunder draft prospect profile for Isaiah Jackson:

Specifics:

Height: 6’10”
Weight: 206 pounds
Wingspan: 7’5″
Position: Combo forward/center
Birthdate/Age: January 10, 2002, 19 years
College: Kentucky, freshman
Stat line: 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.6 blocks
Home Town: Detroit, Michigan

Box Score Statistics:

Per Game Table
Season	G	MP	FGA	FG%	2PA	2P%	3PA	3P%	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	PTS
2020-21	25	20.8	5.5	.540	5.4	.548	0.1	.000	3.6	.700	2.1	4.5	6.6	0.7	0.8	2.6	8.4

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 7/15/2021.

Current Ranking:

Strengths:

Isaiah Jackson is more of a throwback big that will protect the rim, run the floor and offer strong defense for his team.

His measurements impressed teams at the NBA Draft Combine as he stretched out to showcase a 7’5″ wingspan and standing reach of 9’5.

Jackson is a speedy big who flashes down the wings using his explosiveness to fly for dunks and lobs. That same ability fueled his ability to time blocks and should be a transferable skill to the pros.

Though raw there were signs he could develop his ballhandling and playmaking ability which would improve his stock in the current era. That would necessary, particularly on a positionless-themed club such as OKC.

Jackson has good instincts and his defense demonstrates a high I.Q. so presumably has the chops to develop into a decent pick and roll player.

Weaknesses:

The weight room should be his first stop with his new draft team as he gets a jumpstart on adding size and strength to his thin frame. Although it wasn’t an issue in college it will be in the pros.

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His insane athleticism, instincts, and explosiveness translated into being an above-average college defender but again, it won’t be as easy facing bigger, stronger bodies in the NBA. Couple that with his tendency to lose focus and it’s an area he’ll need to clean up. He’s didn’t showcase great ability as a perimeter defender either.

The bigger issue lies on offense where he has a limited repertoire of moves and the necessary fundamental skills to be a threat other than above the rim.

Pro Comparison:

A former OKC Thunder big man Nerlen Noel is offered as a viable comparison. The other doppelganger analysts suggest is Nic Claxton.

OKC Thunder fit:

Jackson certainly fits the old Thunder prototype of an athletic big with the potential to become a dynamic defender.

Although he’s a rim-running center in more of the throwback mode this postseason taught us how valuable centers who can defend and do all the dirty work are.

However, consider the fact OKC traded Moses Brown another rim-running big man who could feast on the boards. If it was logical that Brown wasn’t the best fit for Mark Daigneault’s positionless system it’s hard to fathom Jackson being a better option.

There were whispers of a promise by the Thunder to Jackson but the recent uptick in workouts suggests they might simply have been rumors.

Regardless, if Jackson is the best player on the board when the Thunder selects he could be headed to OKC.