2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathan Isaac

By Jean Racine | Apr 30, 2018

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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Final Grade

B+. . F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC

Jonathan Isaac showed all the promise that made him the sixth pick. The injury issues are the only real concern in his game.

He is already elite defensively and is an impact player. The Magic had their best defensive rating with Isaac on the court. The team gave up 101.1 points per 100 possessions with Isaac on the floor.

That is impressive. Even if a fraction of that came from Isaac’s mere presence, that is impressive for a rookie. It would seem he already has at least one definable NBA skill. And it is the hardest one to teach. A coach will relish the chance to coach a young player with his potential.

Isaac’s grade is not higher because he missed so many games because of injury. That was the only thing that held him back. Otherwise, Isaac would be tantalizing.

But Isaac has undoubted weaknesses he needs to improve on to get into that upper tier of his celebrated rookie class. He is not quite the ball-handler that some expected him to be.

Before returning from his ankle injury, he played more like a big man rather than a wing. But toward the end of the season, he showed some signs of being able to play the small forward position and becoming the all-around player the Magic expect him to become.

That is a good sign. For a team desperately in need of hope, Isaac is the team’s best chance.