The Orlando Magic will hold Jonathan Isaac out indefinitely as he recovers from a bothersome ankle sprain that does not seem to be healing properly.
The Orlando Magic will hold Jonathan Isaac out indefinitely as he recovers from a sprained ankle that has kept him out of virtually every game since his injury on Nov. 11. The team announced their decision Saturday in a press release.
Isaac, the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has played in just three games since that Nov. 11 injury. He missed 17 games in the interim before sitting out again Thursday.
It has been a frustrating time for Isaac. Sprained ankles are generally considered mild and routine injuries that take some rest to fully recover from. Evan Fournier sprained his ankle and missed eight games before returning. Aside from some normal soreness, he seems no worse for the wear.
But everyone recovers differently. And Isaac’s ankle does not seem to be responding to any treatment. Every time he has had tried to come back, something happens with the ankle that sends it back.
"“It takes time,” Isaac said Friday about his recovery. “Instead of trying to come back when it is not completely there. Just be patient and take it day by day.”"
He played two games since coming back from the initial injury and experienced soreness, re-aggravating the injury at one point. In Tuesday’s loss to the Miami Heat, Isaac clearly hurt it, limping noticeably throughout much of the second half.
The injury has been a major set back for a raw player who would need as much playing experience as he could to get better. Isaac was one of the bigger long-term projects available in the 2017 Draft.
In 15 games, Isaac is averaging 5.3 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game in 18.9 minutes per game. He is shooting just 40.5 percent from the floor. His offense was always going to be a work in progress.
Where he really made his mark was on defense where he showed an above-average understanding of defensive rotations. And his effect defensively was pretty clear. Even with the Magic’s bench units, the Magic have a team-best 101.4 defensive rating with Isaac on the floor. That was certainly promising for the team and his development.
That development has taken a pause because of the injury.
"“You can’t develop if you are not working,” coach Frank Vogel said. “You can’t evaluate his work ethic or teach him his work ethic when he is not able to go. Mentally he is still being taught the game and still being kept engaged. There is still development, there is still growing and there is still experience happening. It’s just a lot slower than if he would be if he was in.”"
Orlando Magic
Isaac said he is still involved in practices and trying to learn as much as he can in film sessions and being around the team. He said he feels he has a better understanding of the plays and what Vogel wants the defense to do.
Players have tried to keep Isaac’s spirits up. And Isaac still seems pretty upbeat despite the clear frustration that he is unable to play.
Undoubtedly he wants to be out there. And undoubtedly he has had to learn a lot about patience waiting for this bothersome ankle to recover.
But he still has a long career ahead of him.
"“They tell me to take my time and not try to come back so fast and not try to push through pain or anything,” Isaac said. “Just take my time.”"
The recovery process has already taken a long time. It is unclear how much longer it will take. And the Magic are taking the possibility of playing in games out of the picture for now until Isaac is truly ready to play.
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It is a tough setback for sure. But one that keeps Isaac’s long-term future in mind.