Jonathan Isaac’s length remains very real and vital to the Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac‘s return has reminded everyone just what he can bring to the table and how much of an impact he can make on the floor.

In Jonathan Isaac’s short career, it is easy to forget just what kind of impact he can have.

In Jonathan Isaac’s short career, it is easy to let your imagination run wild when he does play at just what kind of an impact he can make. The highlights come quickly with Isaac. Even the most subtle defensive rotations become clearer and beautiful because of what Isaac can do with them.

The last week has given plenty of evidence of what Isaac can do and what he can become for the Orlando Magic. Since returning from injury the highlights come faster and faster.

He met Joel Embiid at the rim to deflect a dunk attempt off the rim and spark a fast break that ended in a Terrence Ross 3-pointer. It was the crescendo of the team’s 21-0 run that helped them win that game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jonathan Isaac contested a LeBron James 3-pointer by blocking it. He then hit a pull-up 3-pointer over James on the next possession for good measure. Isaac blocked a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dunk later in the game and a LeBron James layup for good measure.

Isaac makes a clear impact. He is still incredibly raw and still has a lot of growth to go. But as he gets there, he is going to make a lot of players have some trouble. Even James.

"“It’s real man,” D.J. Augustin said of Jonathan Isaac’s length after Saturday’s win over the Lakers. “I knew it even from playing against him in practice. After watching him do what he did to LeBron. Sometimes LeBron had to change his shot. A guy that is 6-8, he made it tough on him. He can be a great defender in this league. He’s still young and he still has a lot of improvement to do.”"

Sunday, it was the New York Knicks’ turn. He was not turning shots away left and right, but his presence was certainly felt. Especially with his movement on offense.

In the quintessential moment of the fourth quarter, Isaac simply raised his arms and blocked a shot and helped start a fast break. D.J. Augustin drove into the lane and Jonathan Isaac expertly cut past his man for a thunderous two-handed jam.

These players become more commonplace as he gets more comfortable.

Sunday’s 131-117 win over the New York Knicks was a sign of that growing confidence. Isaac scored 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting. It was an efficient and lethal offensive performance. He drove to the basket and finished with finesse just as much as he finished with power.

He looked comfortable shooting. And he did not need much space to get his shots up. That is also a byproduct of his immense length.

Isaac was still working on a minute’s restriction after returning from an ankle sprain last Wednesday. But that seemed to go out the window Sunday. He was playing too well and was too effective. He ended up playing 24 minutes in the game.

Isaac still seems to be a collection of raw physical tools. But he knows how to use them effectively enough. And that has made him more valuable than anyone might expect.

"“His individual defense is very good,” coach Steve Clifford said after Saturday’s game. “His team defense is terrific. His instincts off the ball and also his understanding of different coverages and what we’re trying to do is so good. It’s good to have him back.”"

Last year, the Magic were as strong as they ever were on defense with Isaac on the floor. The expectation and the hope were that would repeat this year. Especially with Isaac healthy and able to contribute to the starting lineup.

That has not exactly happened. In a small sample size, the Magic have a 108.7 defensive rating with Isaac on the floor. That is still better than the team’s average, but only slightly so.

Those results would make some sense. Isaac played at least half of his time with the starting lineup and then the last three games with the bench unit. So he has spent time with everyone in his short time.

Orlando Magic

There is still a long way for the Magic to normalize his stats so to speak. He has not settled on his mean.

Statistics do not quite quantify what Isaac provides to the team. It might just be confidence. While he still makes plenty of young player mistakes, his defense is generally good and impactful. Like it was in the weekend set of games.

He is able to change things quickly. The length is a real issue for players whether they are LeBron James or even his own teammates in practice.

"“When he was a rookie last year, I really didn’t know about him much,” Aaron Gordon said after Saturday’s win. “I tried to throw a couple passes. His deflections were crazy. Length is important for us. He’ll just keep getting better. Eventually, we’ll be on the court together and the defense will be stifling.”"

Isaac is all fine having this be his role for the moment. The time for him to play alongside Aaron Gordon will come again.

Clifford has made it publicly known eventually Isaac will return to the starting lineup. That is something that already seems decided. He is too vital and too important to the team in both the present and the future as one of the team’s best defenders.

In other words, that length and defensive ability Isaac provides is too much to keep down on the bench playing limited minutes. Once the Magic get the all clear to play him regular minutes, he will get plenty of time.

Isaac added one more word as the weekend came to a close that reveals much of his mindset. He said he does not care if he makes the block or gets dunked on when he challenges a shot. He simply wants to make that shot harder. He has the physical gifts to make that happen.

Continually he does. And when he is playing that at a high level, the Magic are better for it. And they can thank that added energy for much of their three wins on this homestand.