Jazz select Isaiah Collier at pick 29

[jazznik]

For what it's worth The Ringer gave the Jazz A+ for drafting Collier and it was the only A+ they gave in the first round.

Entering the draft, the Jazz were in search of a long-term solution at point guard. They were in position to swing for the fences on high-upside talent in search of a legitimate star. It’s perfect for Collier to fall into their laps at 29. Collier’s stock had fallen precipitously since the start of the college season, when he was in the running for the no. 1 pick. But questions about his shooting, turnovers, and consistency plagued him throughout the predraft process. Still, he is one of the few prospects in this class with true lead-guard potential. Collier’s calling card is getting into the paint and creating offensive opportunities. He’s quick enough to get to the rim at will, strong enough to finish through contact, and coordinated enough to make dazzling passes from a live dribble. It’s a strong foundation to build on. He’ll have to address his inconsistencies as a shooter and defender (though he has serious tools there, too), but applying pressure on the back line of a defense is the easiest way to create open looks all over the floor. There aren’t many players better at that in this class.

 

[The Midnight]

For what it's worth The Ringer gave the Jazz A+ for drafting Collier and it was the only A+ they gave in the first round.

Entering the draft, the Jazz were in search of a long-term solution at point guard. They were in position to swing for the fences on high-upside talent in search of a legitimate star. It’s perfect for Collier to fall into their laps at 29. Collier’s stock had fallen precipitously since the start of the college season, when he was in the running for the no. 1 pick. But questions about his shooting, turnovers, and consistency plagued him throughout the predraft process. Still, he is one of the few prospects in this class with true lead-guard potential. Collier’s calling card is getting into the paint and creating offensive opportunities. He’s quick enough to get to the rim at will, strong enough to finish through contact, and coordinated enough to make dazzling passes from a live dribble. It’s a strong foundation to build on. He’ll have to address his inconsistencies as a shooter and defender (though he has serious tools there, too), but applying pressure on the back line of a defense is the easiest way to create open looks all over the floor. There aren’t many players better at that in this class.

Nice find, thanks.

 

[Hearsky]

this is a ridiculous highlight video in general, but there were a few plays that caught my attention first time through:

the burst/change of pace at the 11:15 mark - otherworldy
12:05 mark he bullies Williams on three straight plays and the entire colorado game highlights were pretty great overall
15:45 mark he scores 8 straight with 2 minutes to play in a close game vs UW to seal a win


View: https://youtu.be/nvGfy93DsEU?si=JqBrndkRPOLExblz

Crazy how similar he looks like Brunson (sans the three point shot) in these highlights.

 

[YoungJefe]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx7J-auXsT0

 

[The Midnight]

Crazy how similar he looks like Brunson (sans the three point shot) in these highlights.

Agreed.

He even seems to have the same look and determination to score too.

Hopefully his shot falls and he has a great career with us.

 

[jazznik]

Crazy how similar he looks like Brunson (sans the three point shot) in these highlights.

Actually, no. They both like to put pressure on defense and penetrate to the basket, but Brunson achieves it mostly through footwork and craftiness, while Collier simply bullies collegiate players by using his strength and fully-developed body. He will not be able to do it in the NBA against players like Dort, Holiday, Jalen Brown, Mitchell, Harden, Brunson, Haliburton... He will need to become way craftier to play the same style of offense he is used to in college.

 

[The Midnight]

BTW, Collier gonna make Kessler a lot more fun to watch offensively.

Have you guys seen how he make passes to a big when he drives?

Elite.

 

[rippimpc]

Actually, no. They both like to put pressure on defense and penetrate to the basket, but Brunson achieves it mostly through footwork and craftiness, while Collier simply bullies collegiate players by using his strength and fully-developed body. He will not be able to do it in the NBA against players like Dort, Holiday, Jalen Brown, Mitchell, Harden, Brunson, Haliburton... He will need to become way craftier to play the same style of offense he is used to in college.

Man idk he looked pretty damn crafty to me. Very impressive speed and strength and looked like he uses change of pace to his advantage. That speed at that size is really impressive. I had not watched him before. How did he fall? USC poorly coached?

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

What I don't like about Collier is that despite all of his height and muscle he plays strictly below the rim, like Jarron Collins. He will struggle with long and strong NBA defenders around the rim, at least initially.

Yes, Collier just like Jarron Collins.....

 

[idiot]

not to pit the rooks against each other - i will become a huge fan of willams - but collier is better than williams and we will see it first hand in about two weeks.

Given the nature of the summer league, aggressive downhill guards are going to look good out of the gate.

 

[HermanG]

I like this pick. Not hating the Williams pick either even though Carter was on the board, but this is the type of upside pick that we needed around 29.

Collier has some serious passing upside but probably needs to learn by trial and error.... so hopefully they find him a spot in the rotation and green light him to make those wild swing/entry passes.

There is also a chance that he already is or will fast become our second best PoA defender behind Dunn.... but thats not saying much since the competition is Keyonte, Sexton and Clarkson.

 

[NAOS_pt2]

This kid is in that rare class of athletes that are still faster than everybody even when they're handling the ball. Incredible burst and speed.

 

[fishonjazz]

Adding Sexton to the list is just trolling.

Ya Sexton literally played at an all star level last season already.

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[fishonjazz]

three things really stand out when you watch Collier
1. he plays a bully style of basketball. you can stay in front and he will still bully you for buckets
2. he's so fast. always the fastest guy on the floor
3. so many different ways to finish and a great feel when he attacks the basket

and he's a much better passer than people realize or than he showed last season with his high TO rate. people are going to be surprised at his vision and passing ability.

In regards to the bully style. Kinda like brunson?

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[fishonjazz]

This kid is in that rare class of athletes that are still faster than everybody even when they're handling the ball. Incredible burst and speed.

Do you think he is as fast as Sexton? If so then wow

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[framer]

Actually, no. They both like to put pressure on defense and penetrate to the basket, but Brunson achieves it mostly through footwork and craftiness, while Collier simply bullies collegiate players by using his strength and fully-developed body. He will not be able to do it in the NBA against players like Dort, Holiday, Jalen Brown, Mitchell, Harden, Brunson, Haliburton... He will need to become way craftier to play the same style of offense he is used to in college.

If teams are forced to put their best defender on him, we have already won that exchange.

Also, Mitchell and Harden? Please. . .

 

[TheStormofWar]

Watching his tape, I see plenty of craftiness there. Granted, he'll probably need to use his speed a bit more than body at this level, but he's got all the tools and dude looks fast on tape. I don't really see much of an issue at all from his shot either, except sometimes it looks a bit more mechanical than fluid. Usually when it's got that sort of movement to it, it's not going in. When he's in motion/rhythm, it looks really nice and goes in more often than not.

Hard to knock that at 29.

 

[SoberasHotRod]

I have very mixed feelings on this. On one hand Collier was very high on my board. I think he's one of the highest potential guys in this draft because of his age and ability to get down hill and handle the ball. He's also pretty fun to watch.

On the other hand I'm disgusted by the amount of defensively limited guards the Jazz have on their roster.

 

[fishonjazz]

Crazy how similar he looks like Brunson (sans the three point shot) in these highlights.

Agreed. Very similar style around the hoop. Biggest difference to me is that Brunson makes tougher shots. But that is actually a point for Collier. Collier seems to clear space and use his craftiness better so that he gets better looks. Brunson is just insane at making the most difficult shots possible.

 

[fishonjazz]

Do you think he is as fast as Sexton? If so then wow

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After watching some highlights for myself the answer is clearly no. But Sexton is probably top 3 in the entire nba in speed (might even be number 1. Though I put Fox as my number 1.) so no biggie.