2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathan Isaac

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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: Jonathan Isaac shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected number six overall by the Orlando Magic during 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 Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /

Overall Outlook

Jonathan Isaac’s rookie year is going to be a bit of a process. That is the lot of a player who is still so young and so raw.

The Magic are likely to bring Isaac off the bench and let him develop slowly, helping him gain confidence with little successes. The last thing Orlando wants to do is throw too much at him. And so Isaac’s impact in his rookie year is likely to be small. Or at least smaller than some of his peers who may burst onto the scene.

That might rise to some frustration from the fans. But Orlando is playing the long game with Isaac. That was always the plan.

They see Isaac as part of the new wave of versatile bigs who can handle the ball and attack form the perimeter, smothering opponents with their defensive length and athleticism. Isaac fits this mold perfectly. It is just about having the patience to let him grow.

The Magic appear to have that patience. In the 2018 season, they are going to plan that seed and let it grow. But it will probably grow slowly.

For this coming year, Isaac’s role should remain fairly simple. The Magic will expect him to play strong defense, run the floor and finish at the rim. As he masters this simple role, the Magic are likely to expand his role. His season may come with fits and starts, but the team is going to remain patient with him. It would not be surprising to see Isaac play a few spot games in Lakeland for the Lakeland Magic.

It is going to be a slow process with Isaac. But one that should still hold a ton of promise.

Isaac has already shown he has a ton of defensive potential and put that ability on display at Summer League. His offense will have to come around. If the Magic can remain patient, he may very well turn into a solid player.

Next: 2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Terrence Ross

Perhaps even that star the Magic have sought for so long.