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

By Philip Rossman-Reich

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 16: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic fight for position during the game on January 16, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 16: Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic fight for position during the game on January 16, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 7: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic rebounds against the Sacramento Kings on January 7, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Investing in the Long-Term Project

The Orlando Magic knew Jonathan Isaac was a long-term project when they drafted him last year. Losing his rookie season to injury only lengthened that timetable for his development. This is a long process.

Isaac is in the middle of it and slowly getting the comfort and confidence to assert himself more and more. There are clearly a lot of signs of just how good he can be.

It has taken a lot to get there. Personally, Isaac has had to preach patience to himself. He is a selfless player and even his lack of offensive opportunities do not distract him. But the slow growth he has shown is still promising.

"“I don’t like to think about it so much. It goes into me not being so hard on myself,” Isaac said. “A lot of the times I beat myself up and think about not playing so much my first year. And this is somewhat my rookie year. I am taking it day by day and not beating myself up so much.”"

It is starting to come together for Isaac. And Clifford has a difficult decision to manage all throughout the roster on whether to continue working to develop his young players and to keep the team in a position to win.

Isaac is caught in the middle of that as he continues to grow and develop. But the Magic certainly should continue to invest in this long-term project and expand his role as much as they can.

His improved play during the last month — and especially lately — is begging for more responsibility. Even if that comes slowly.

Isaac may not have improved quick enough to make the Rising Stars Game in Charlotte next week. But that is not the end of his story.

Far from it.

dark. Next. Steve Clifford making a positive impact on Orlando Magic

Isaac is growing by leaps and bounds and very quickly. Soon he will demand a lot more attention and a larger role. The Magic would do best to find ways to take advantage of all this and put more trust in their young forward.