Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Jonathan Isaac’s Goal List for First Year with Magic

By Jonathan Treadway

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Jonathan Isaac speaks to the media after being selected sixth overall by the Orlando Magic at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Jonathan Isaac speaks to the media after being selected sixth overall by the Orlando Magic at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles, Marc-Eddy Norelia, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles, Marc-Eddy Norelia, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles /

Get bigger and improve aggressiveness

It is no secret one of Jonathan Isaac’s biggest weaknesses coming out of college into the draft was his size. Weighing in right now at a mere 210 pounds, he is rail thin by NBA standards.

With his lankiness, it might be easier for defenders who are bigger to just move him out of the way or push him out of the paint when it comes to rebounds.

The biggest focus for Isaac and for the Magic going into training camp and before the start of the season will be to hit the weight room, improve his diet and increase his strength and size tremendously. Isaac seemed to recognize that too before the end of Summer League.

With a bigger Isaac, he stands a chance battling inside for rebounds, holding his own on defense, and attacking the basket. It is essential to his development.

He averaged 8.0 rebounds per game during Summer League. And he grabbed some impressively athletic rebounds in space. But there were plenty of times where he got outmuscled for position or could not completely box out his man.

With his height and athleticism, that number could increase even more with a little more bulk. He still projects as a good rebounder.

The added strength should also help Isaac attack the basket more effectively.

Many draft experts felt one of Isaac’s weaknesses out of college was that he did not attack the basket enough or show enough aggressiveness with the ball.

If Isaac increases his size, it might help his confidence in attacking the basket more. And with his size, athleticism and the possibility of Aaron Gordon, Jonathon Simmons, Terrence Ross or others being on the other side of the basket, that could be a nightmare situation for opposing teams.

While some of his usage cannot entirely be contributed to Isaac, as the Florida State Seminoles were composed of many upperclassmen who demanded the ball, he has shown some more assertiveness on the offensive end with the ball in his hand could help his game and the Magic offense.

Isaac showed a few glimmers of attacking the basket, going Isolation with the ball in his hands, and nailing a few step back shots during summer league before being sidelined with the hip injury. If he can improve on this his game will increase.