Orlando Magic Playbook: Jonathan Isaac is a rising star and deserves Orlando Magic’s trust

Building Defensive Trust

Jonathan Isaac still is not getting the premiere defensive assignments. Among the perimeter players, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier defend more shots than Jonathan Isaac. And both get the main calls on perimeter offensive players — typically Aaron Gordon first for forward than Evan Fournier for guards.

With Aaron Gordon in foul trouble against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, Jonathan Isaac got a look guarding Paul George. George took advantage of the rookie making an array of tough shots to score 31 points in the first half.

A lot of that was not Isaac’s fault. He still has to put on muscle and weight to absorb contact without giving up positioning.

On this play in transition, Isaac has the positioning and is in front of George forcing a difficult shot. But George is able to create separation on his strength alone. There were several instances exactly like this where the veteran George was able to create space from footwork, strength and momentum alone.

Isaac has a lot of plays where he makes the initial stop and then gets taken out of position going for an overeager block. Isaac still looks like a rookie in many ways.

But there is a bit of a process over results.

Coach Steve Clifford said a lot of young players entering the NBA these days simply do not have the understanding of how they need to play. The NBA has had to get more into the development business than ever before with the run of one-and-done players.

Isaac has been a bit different.

Yes, he needs development but he has had a much different focus. He gained both Frank Vogel and Steve Clifford’s trust with his willingness to play defense and sort of stick to his role. He has shown improvements and confidence but his willingness to learn has endeared him to coaches and he makes an impact.

"“It’s going to come as it comes,” Clifford said before Thursday’s game. “He’s not about the numbers. He wants to play well. He wants to know — a good example, we’re in Houston and he comes back on the plane and sits with Pat Delany and wants to watch the game. The NBA isn’t for guys, if you want instant gratification, this is not the league for you. That’s not how this works.”"

There is a level of trust there with Isaac. But it is not fully there. A lot of that has to do with production and experience. But it is becoming clearer the Magic should turn more responsibility to Isaac.

At the very least, Isaac has earned more than a cursory look at playing a more prominent defensive role and taking on a bit more responsibility.

And it all has to do with his play recently.