Draft profile: Isaiah Collier

Collier’s physicality is impressive, but might not be enough to cover some of the other holes in his game.

Isaiah Collier is a physical point guard generating opportunities for himself and others with his bully ball style. The physical nature of his play makes him a polarizing option on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ draft board.

General information:

College: University of Southern California

Position: Guard

Year: Freshman

Stats: 16.3 pts (49% FG / 33.6 3PT% / 67.3 FT%), 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists

Measurables:

Age: 19

Height: 6’ 3”

Weight: 210

Wingspan: 6’ 4”

Strengths

Collier’s greatest trait is creating space with his physicality. In transition, he is like a cannonball, using his strength to generate most, if not all, of his scoring opportunities under the basket. He often hunted mismatches, playing a style of bully ball that old-school fans would love.

Collier is a throwback to the 90s. He is most comfortable in a half-court offense, operating in the post with his back to the basket. While modern point guards often rely on shiftiness and finesse, Collier prefers to grind down his opponents.

Collier can also run the floor, occasionally showing the ability to make NBA-level passes. This was most shown when he was able to play in the open floor and thread precise passes to the weak-side corner.

Weaknesses

Collier doesn’t fit the mold of a modern NBA player. His skills are outdated and don’t appear to translate to today’s game. His physicality often masked significant flaws that are glaring upon closer inspection.

Collier lacks a second option when defenses stop the ball. He usually resorts to a difficult jumper or throws the ball into a crowd. He finished the season at USC with 115 assists to 89 turnovers. NBA defenders will be more adept at stopping his head-down, bull-charge than collegiate players were. The NBA is known for scheming to neutralize a player’s primary skill, and Collier doesn’t seem to have a counterpunch.

While his physicality generates scoring opportunities, it also highlights another issue: free throw shooting. His aggressive driving usually results in frequent trips to the line, but he struggled to convert, averaging nearly six free throws per game at USC and converting just 67% of them. Throughout the season, he had stretches where his free throw struggles felt like empty possessions, especially when he failed to convert and-one opportunities.

Collier’s perimeter shot is virtually nonexistent, often feeling like a last resort when he couldn’t create separation off the dribble. He shot 33% from three on nearly three attempts per game, and teams would give him the space to take those shots. His lack of quickness limits his ability to create space for pull-up shots from three or midrange. In the NBA, teams will likely thrive in drop coverage against him, as his perimeter game lacks any real threat.

Defensively, Collier’s frame generates a natural comparison to Marcus Smart. He’s a bigger guard who likes to play with a physical presence. However, he lacks Smart’s defensive motor. Collier has poor stamina, often looking drained by the three-minute mark of his rotation. This likely stems from his intense offensive style, leaving him defensively sluggish. Additionally, his short wingspan limits his reach, making him easy to face up against.

Where he could help the Cavaliers

Collier would provide the Cavaliers with a true point guard while adding much needed depth. He brings a different style of play, utilizing his physicality to create scoring opportunities and often functioning as a point forward with his back-to-the-basket approach. If the Cavaliers are looking to introduce a more physical presence at guard, Collier would be a valuable option. However, in his current state, it’s unlikely he would be an instant impact player and could be someone who bounces back and forth to the G League.

Game to watch

Final verdict

Collier is a frustrating player. His physical play jumps out almost instantly. Collier is a runaway tank on the floor that isn’t easily intimidated. However, this is a two-sided coin. Collier is turnover-prone and hasn’t shown he can make NBA-level reads with the ball. With no perimeter shot and a poor free throw percentage, I struggle to see a successful roadmap for Collier to make a meaningful NBA impact. The Cavaliers would best look elsewhere to reinforce their guard depth then take a chance on Collier.