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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathan Isaac

By Jean Racine

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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The Good and the Bad

Per Game Table
G GS MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PTS
27 10 19.9 .379 .348 .434 .760 0.6 3.1 3.7 0.7 1.2 1.1 1.0 5.4

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/29/2018.

Jonathan Isaac showed natural defensive ability. He has fluid hips and can change direction all working to his advantage.

A vast majority of his blocks shots are predicated on impeccable timing. Isaac has tremendous anticipation. Hence his 1.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game average. He is like a tall, lengthy NFL free safety in passing lanes, a pest for opposing opponents.

Isaac’s defensive awareness is beyond his years. And the numbers show this.

The Magic had a 101.1 defensive rating with Isaac on the court. That was the best mark of any player on the team. That does not mean Isaac was the sole reason for this defensive uptick. But it sure looks good for the rookie.

On the offensive end, Isaac showed the ability to play off the ball, to get open looks around the basket and to get out on the fast break.

His 3-point shot is respectable, he shot 34 percent on 1.7 attempts per game. Isaac can hit the open three and if he is in rhythm, he can drain it over a defender. His mid-range game is decent and his jump shot overall is average.

Isaac, also showed glimpses of being able to take his man off the dribble and drive to the basket. He should be able to take most power forwards and centers off the dribble. But the 21-year-old just needs to become more decisive in his game.

Although Isaac showed potential on the offensive end, there are still some reasons for concern.

His handle is loose and shaky the majority of times. He showed some clumsiness on offense, which contributed to him twisting his ankles on numerous occasions. He only played 27 games as a result of his ankle problems.

Also, the form on Isaac jump shot is a little awkward. He has a long and high release. It begs the question, whether Isaac is going to be a consistent shooter in the NBA.