With the draft just two days away, there is still much debate as to whom the Sixers will draft. Should the look to go big with Isaiah Todd?
Isaiah Todd’s road to the 2021 NBA draft was anything but conventional. After a stellar high school career, Todd received numerous offers from some of the biggest names in college basketball like Memphis, Kentucky, and Kansas. Todd originally committed to the University of Michigan but ultimately decided to de-commit and pursue a professional career in the NBA G League’s developmental team, the Ignite.
Isaiah Todd is a true athlete. Standing tall at 6’10 with a 7’0 wingspan, he has shown incredible versatility with a high level of athleticism and energy. Todd can get up and down the court quickly for being a big man and has great coordination and body control. He has a good handle on the ball and has no issue dribbling up and down the court, a unique skill to a guy who plays outside of the 1 and 2. Todd also is effective at finishing around the rim and loves to get crafty when putting the ball down.
Todd’s offensive game is truly promising. For a big man, he really does not shy from the 3-point line. Shooting 36% from beyond the arc might not scream that he is a great perimeter shooter. However, watching how easily he puts up jumps shots around the floor could help him turn shooting into his primary skill.
For being as tall and athletic as he is, Todd utilizes his size very minimally on the defensive end. He prefers to defend in the perimeter as opposed to the post, where he could really shine as he shows potential to be a great shot blocker. As Todd matures in the league, putting on a few extra pounds on his tall frame would definitely add to his physicality and presence as a defender.
The term “jack of all trades, master of none” could definitely be applied to Isaiah Todd. While he has a great grasp on the fundamentals, there’s not one area he truly excels in. This necessarily isn’t a huge red flag seeing that he is only 19 years old and has time to develop, but the Sixers might want to consider this before calling his name Thursday night. Regardless Todd could turn into a fine role-player.
The consensus is that the Sixers are looking to take a guard with their 28th pick. Picking so late in the first round usually means picking the best guy available instead of pinpointing a position, but it should be noted another powerful force on the Sixers would definitely be needed off the bench. Todd would most likely play with the low minutes group, but knowing that Doc Rivers rewards hard work with playing time, Todd could work his way into the rotation if he proves himself worthy.
