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Jonathan Isaac nearing his return from ankle injury

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 7: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic grabs the rebound against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 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 - OCTOBER 7: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic grabs the rebound against the Miami Heat during a preseason game on October 8, 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 was back on the court Tuesday at Orlando Magic practice. His return from a sprained ankle is inching closer. And the Magic need him.

After practice Tuesday, Jonathan Isaac was going through several dribbling drills with assistant coach Jay Hernandez. The going was slow for the rookie. He has missed the last eight games with a sprained ankle and had not been back on the court for a practice since that time.

His movements are still a bit ginger. During one shooting drill, he appeared to tweak his ankle and stumbled back to the starting point to restart. Little tweaks like that will happen. The ankle is a notoriously tricky area to allow to heal and it is clear Isaac is not fully up to speed.

Isaac was slowly getting himself back into rhythm. His shot looked smooth, although his jump might have been a bit ginger. His dribble moves took some time to get into a rhythm. He was going slowly through the drills Hernandez had him play through.

Isaac is getting closer to a return. He participated in non-contact drills during the Orlando Magic’s practice Tuesday. It was his first time back in practice of any kind since he came down on someone’s foot against the Denver Nuggets.

Undoubtedly the Magic have missed him to some degree. And it seems the Magic are excited at the prospect of getting him back.

"“He’s a 20-year-old kid,” coach Frank Vogel said before Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “I wouldn’t say we’re relying on a rookie. But he changes this. He’s a dynamic player. Especially what he does on the defensive end. You see what our numbers look like the last nine games during this streak. It’s not all because of Jonathan Isaac. But he would help that. We’re eager to get him back.”"

The Magic’s slide started before Isaac got hurt. But in the eight games since Isaac’s injury, the Magic have a 115.1 defensive rating. That is the worst mark in the league. And by a healthy margin too.

Further evidence of Isaac’s defensive impact, the Magic have a team-best 99.7 defensive rating when Isaac is on the floor. The team has a 110.1 defensive rating when Isaac is off the floor (in games he plays). The Magic are only worse when Terrence Ross is off the floor.

It is safe to say the rookie has made a huge impact on defense. Or, at least, he has fit in very well with the lineups the Magic have used him with. That may not completely change the Magic’s fortunes or turn their defense back into a top-rated team. But Isaac’s focus and strength on the defensive end are clear. He makes an impact on that end of the floor.

And that is certainly missed at this point.

"“I think he’s somebody that can give that second unit some help, especially defensively,” Elfrid Payton said after practice Tuesday. “He makes up for a lot of our mistakes, especially on defense. He’s fearless. He’s a guy who is talented and can do a lot of different things — offensive ebound, stretch the floor, pull up and get to the rim. He’s definitely missed.”"

Isaac senses he is missed too.

Watching the Magic struggle has been difficult for Isaac. Even though he is part of the team, being injured leaves him slightly detached from what is going on. He cannot experience what the team is going through on the court.

Isaac senses he could help make those recovery plays the team is lacking right now. Orlando has lacked energy. And the one thing Isaac is good for — his one job really — is to play hard and provide that energy.

He senses the team can increase its intensity level, specifically on defense. That is the area he can most help the team improve.

"“Observing the team, it’s been tough,” Isaac said. “Just because of the way we’re playing, I just want to be out there. Losing streak or not, I just want to be with them and share in their feelings. It’s hard for me to put myself in their situation right now. We can definitely notch up the intensity and the effort on defense. I think the offense will come. We’ve just got be a better defensive team.”"

Now it seems the Magic are entering the final stages without Isaac. His return to the court is coming quickly. He will need the chance to get his legs back under him and to get back into a basketball rhythm. Obviously, Isaac has spent a lot of time off his feet and away from basketball.

After practice Tuesday, Isaac said he is still getting better every day and is feeling fine. But there are still little tweaks to the ankle. It did not appear he ran very much. Getting back to practice was a first step for him. A big one at that.

Next: Toughness is Orlando Magic's salvation from losing streak

It will not be so long now until Isaac is back in the lineup. And the Magic could certainly use that relief.