Five Orlando Magic takeaways from NBA Summer League

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 06: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic contests a shot from Semaj Christon #6 of the Brooklyn Nets during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Magic defeated the Nets 84-80. 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. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Isaac’s Aggression

The Orlando Magic did not get to see much of Jonathan Isaac last year.

In 27 games, he did not get much opportunity to make any impact. Most of it came on the defensive end. His offense was a major work in progress.

Isaac shot just 37.9 percent from the floor on a little more than five field goal attempts per game. When he played his rookie year, the Magic just wanted Isaac to make his impact defensively and anything he added offensively was a bonus. His job there was to hit open shots and run the floor. The Magic did not run any plays for Isaac.

That obviously was going to change. And it has to change for him to advance his career.

Orlando wanted to see Isaac’s improved conditioning and strength and to see just how far he could stretch his offensive game. He had the ultimate green light throughout Summer League.

The statistics are not entirely impressive. He had a team-best 14.3 points per game but shot just 35 percent from the floor to get there. Isaac took 37 field goals in the three games, making 7 of 17 in the opener against the Brooklyn Nets.

That would mean he took more than 10 shots per game. It is this aggression the Magic almost certainly wanted to see. They gave him the green light to shoot and keep shooting. Orlando was not so worried about his efficiency.

In his strongest moments, Isaac showed some intriguing shot making. His size and his length enabled him to get shots off easily against smaller defenders. And he had the aggression and willingness to take those shots.

Isaac was able to dribble into shots and work the post effectively well. The Magic used him in pick and rolls with Mohamed Bamba to devastating effect. He was a better offensive player than he was last year.

That does not hide how much farther he has to go. Isaac’s offensive game still needs quite a bit of work. And the only way to get that is through experience. But the summer provided a good preview of the work Isaac has already put in.