Five things to watch from Orlando Magic Summer League

Jonathan Isaac’s progress

Probably the biggest thing the Orlando Magic want to see is just how much Jonathan Isaac has progressed since the season ended in April.

It is a common trope that players make their biggest improvements from their rookie season to their second season. Here they know the rigors of the NBA game and exactly what it will take to make it through an entire season. The basic flaws in their game are exposed. And, now, for the first time, they have a full summer as a pro to improve and expand their game.

Isaac’s game was pretty basic last year. He did not do a ton offensively last year, limited to hitting spot-up jumpers and running in transition. That was partly because of the ankle injury that slowed him down.

His main role was on defense. He quickly became one of the team’s best overall perimeter defenders. Even though he made plenty of rookie mistakes, his length and instincts allowed him to recover. As the Magic grow defensively, Isaac should shine more.

But this summer is about developing the other parts of his game. The Magic want to see him add some strength — he is already on muscle watch and appears to have put on some considerable muscle to his slight frame. And then use that strength to create actual basketball skills.

Orlando certainly wants to see Isaac be the team’s top scorer for however many games he ends up playing. That would be a sure sign that he has expanded his offensive game. If he can do so efficiently, even better.

Isaac’s progress is the biggest piece of Summer League though.

Orlando still has little sense of where he fits with this team and what his role could be. If he shines in Summer League then they know he is ready to start at small forward. If he does not, then the team will have to continue slow playing his development.