Spurs can build a terrifying defense with low-risk Jonathan Isaac gamble

Jonathan Isaac was waived by the Orlando Magic, and the Spurs should be interested. The 6'10" defensive stopper hasn't lived up to his potential so far, so he shouldn't cost much. His addition would be a low-risk gamble San Antonio could take to build an impenetrable defense. And we all know this organization is all about defense.

Spurs could add a former DPOY-level talent for cheap

Isaac would have zero shot of winning Defensive Player of the Year on a team next to Victor Wembanyama, but that's not the point. The former Florida State hooper was drafted because of his freakish ability as a defender. He has the height and a 7'2" wingspan to go along with his elite athleticism and quickness.

Despite not playing enough during his Orlando tenure, the impact was clear when he did. "Magic owned a 106.1 defensive rating with him on the floor last season, compared to a 113.7 defensive rating with him off the court," Zach Bachar wrote for Bleacher Report. That's a significant swing, making the thought of seeing Isaac on this team extremely intriguing.

As mentioned earlier, injuries have destroyed his value. That's actually a great thing for San Antonio. They would buy low; they wouldn't be dependent on Jonathan to maintain a strong defensive identity. It'd be more of a luxury signing, giving Mitch Johnson the ability to just shut down the floor entirely whenever he decides it's necessary.

He's never fully developed an offensive game, though. That's the rub. Isaac hasn't just been bad on that side of the floor; he's been horrendous. Last season, he only averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds on 42% FG and 18% 3PT. Still, SA wouldn't be signing him to score.

The 28-year-old free agent would be defending multiple positions, rebounding, and giving Coach Johnson more lineup versatility off the bench.

Isaac could unlock the NBA's best defensive lineup

The Spurs just had Lindy Waters III, Jordan McLaughlin, Kelly Olynyk, and Mason Plumlee collecting dust on the bench when the games mattered most. With all of those players expected to be gone, San Antonio will have plenty of room to take a flier on Isaac. It will cost them next to nothing to do so, and if he doesn't work out, he can just not play, just like those other guys did.

But if it does work and he can at least make himself a respectable offensive player, the Silver and Black would have the best defensive lineups in the league by several miles. Could you imagine Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jonathan Isaac, and Victor Wembanyama as a lockdown unit?

If Isaac rediscovers 80% of who he used to be as a defender, the NBA would be screwed. And it wouldn't cost the Spurs very much at all. It's a terrifying thought—for opponents, that is.

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