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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jonathan Isaac

By Philip Rossman-Reich

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 20: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic’s Jonathan Isaac (1) drives to the basket with an assist from Michael Carter-Williams (7), against the Toronto Raptors during Game 1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The Magic won, 104-101. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

Final Grade

B+. . F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC

The injury Jonathan Isaac suffered his rookie season put him behind the 8-ball a bit. He essentially lost a year of his career and development.

For a player who was so raw in his basketball skills, that was a near killer. Getting him out on the floor the way the Orlando Magic did was enough to tantalize, but he still needed so much work.

This year operated essentially as his rookie year. He was taking in a lot of information and still trying to figure out if he even belonged in the league. Defensively he should have already had a sense of how good he can be as he continues to refine technique. His length and athleticism are real attributes that will keep him strong on that end for a long time if he stays committed to it.

There is no reason to believe he will not.

What the challenge was for him this year was getting him to be confident in his other skills. He needed to be more confident on the ball offensively, willing to shoot and attack off the dribble.

The early season ankle injury could have been as big of a mental setback as it was a physical setback. It took Isaac a long time to feel comfortable out there and play with more fearlessness. He needed to trust himself, his body, his training, his strength as much as anything.

Once that happened, he began to unlock his seemingly limitless potential. The Magic got to see the contours of what Isaac can be.

He did not reach that full potential this year. He was happy to play his role and be in the background. That led to some inconsistent production. But his defense was always reliable and he always made an impact on that end.

Even in the playoffs, he was one of the few players everyone felt encouraged about. Both he and Aaron Gordon came out of their first playoff experience understanding they still had a lot of development to go, but also clear about the impact they could make for the team.

As rookie seasons go, Isaac played admirably. He showed off his potential and plenty of areas where he is already playing at a NBA level.

Next. 2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: D.J. Augustin. dark

The question everyone now has is where does he go next?