Rumor: Jonathan Isaac working out for only teams in top four of NBA draft

Our latest mock draft has Jonathan Isaac going No. 6 to the Magic, and that’s in the thick of the projected range for the Florida State forward.

But he’s operating as if he’ll go higher.

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN:

Told Jonathan Isaac will only work out for the teams in the top four. Has worked out for both the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, but it doesn’t sound like the Wolves will get any one-on-one time with Jonathan Isaac.

Draft workouts are always fluid. Maybe his camp will have a change of heart at some point. But I can tell you, as of Tuesday night, the 13th of June, Jonathan Isaac no interest in working out for the Wolves or any team outside of the top four.

Does Isaac have a promise from a team picking that high? The top of the draft:

1. Celtics

2. Lakers

3. 76ers

4. Suns

5. Kings (theoretically, Sacramento could have convinced Isaac it won’t pass on him, and so he’s working out for teams only above his floor)

I really like Isaac as a prospect, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a high-picking team became enamored. He’s long and athletic, possessing elite defensive potential and promising offensive tools.

It’s also possible Isaac is trying to project the image that he’s a top-four prospect, even without a promise. Dress the part, be the part. If this is a one-sided plan, it could backfire with Isaac falling past teams that didn’t work him out. But teams generally don’t require a personal workout to draft someone.

And as Wolfson said, Isaac could always work out for other teams later if he feels he could slip in the draft. But a refusal to work out now for teams picking lower than No. 4 offers at least a hint about his draft stock.