2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathan Isaac

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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) /

Overall Outlook

How will Jonathan Isaac respond to his injury-plagued rookie year? Expect big things.

For those who do not know, Isaac very well could have averaged two blocks and two steals per game last year had he played significant minutes. As a point of fact, Isaac averaged 2.2 steals and 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes.

Isaac’s overall conditioning has clearly improved and his confidence in his own offensive game is seemingly at an all-time high.

The focus for Jonathan Isaac under Steve Clifford will almost certainly be about defense. And Isaac is in prime position to deliver.

Isaac can act as Orlando’s primary defensive weapon on the perimeter against the NBA’s bevy of dribble drive superstars.

Additionally, Isaac can also serve as an enforcer in the paint if the Magic choose to use him in that capacity.

Truly, the only weakness in Isaac’s defensive game was his lack of strength to compete with larger NBA players in the paint. But he has put in serious work to combat that weakness.

On offense, Isaac likely will not need to do anything more than hit corner threes at a respectable clip and finish in the paint more effectively.

A double-digit scoring average for Isaac is not out of the question. But it is more likely he will join the two steals and two blocks club. And it will not be the kind of 2-2 that Josh Smith put up with the Atlanta Hawks when he gambled for his numbers. It will be the kind that anchors the defense in true lockdown defender fashion.

Next. 2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Evan Fournier. dark

If all goes well, an all-defensive team nod for Isaac this season is not out of the question.