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Shaquille O’Neal offers rookie advice to Jonathan Isaac

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic talks with media after the game against the Miami Heat during the 2017 Summer League on July 2, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic talks with media after the game against the Miami Heat during the 2017 Summer League on July 2, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac recently got some rookie advice from Shaquille O’Neal on The Big Podcast with Shaq as he prepares for his first year with the Orlando Magic.

Orlando Magic fans have not heard very much from Jonathan Isaac since the end of his strong Summer League showing.

Isaac has, true to his word, stayed around town working out at the Amway Center and settling into his new digs somewhere in Orlando. A few fans have spotted him around town. He has taken in a concert or two and has done a few Magic community events.

But the 19-year-old forward has mostly been working on his own.

That is a good thing. If there is one thing we learned at Summer League, it is that Isaac is still a raw prospect who has to build his frame and develop his skills. While his defense impressed at Summer League, his offense still has a ways to go — although he continually gained confidence before a hip injury shut him down for the week.

Last week, Isaac got some advice from another former Magic rookie as he prepares for his first year. Jonathan Isaac joined Shaquille O’Neal on The Big Podcast with Shaq and got some advice from O’Neal about becoming the face of the franchise and the responsibilities that go with it.

"“It’s tough,” Isaac told O’Neal and the podcast about preparing for the upcoming season. “It’s just maturity and discipline. It’s your character — the way you carry yourself on and off the floor. But you have to be mature in the sense that you are the young guy. Coming in, you have a lot on your plate. The fans are expecting so much so early. It’s tough. I just take it one day at a time and one game at a time and never get too high or too low.”"

Isaac said the Summer League experience was a bit overwhelming. Going straight from the Draft to settling in a new town to playing games with some of the players he would suit up with in September was a bit of a whirlwind.

Isaac handled it fairly well. He averaged 10.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in three appearances during the five-game Summer League. He admitted to nerves in his first game, but slowly improved his shooting and confidence throughout the week. Before he left that final game with an injury, Isaac looked like the best player on the floor.

Magic fans are certainly excited to see what he can do. His defensive potential especially is tantalizing.

But it will take time. He may not make a huge immediate impact. As things stand, it appears Isaac will come off the bench and play behind Aaron Gordon at power forward. He may also see some time at small forward too. Things will sort themselves out in training camp and practices.

Next: USA TODAY gives Orlando Magic solid offseason grade

The podcast also asks Isaac about his first purchases now that he has a big contract — Isaac said he was shopping for a coffee table for his new apartment. And O’Neal offers some advice for the young player as he settles into life in the NBA and in Orlando.