Orlando Magic Daily
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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Isaiah Briscoe

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 21: Isaiah Briscoe #13 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 21: Isaiah Briscoe #13 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Isaiah Briscoe, Orlando magic, Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Isaiah Briscoe #13 of the Orlando Magic in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Orlando won 117-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2020 Outlook

Isaiah Briscoe had done it. He made the rotation of a NBA playoff team (or one that was on its way) and made a real impact. He was important to the Orlando Magic’s turnaround.

The team turned to him in its hour of need and he delivered beyond what they could have imagined.

Briscoe’s play was certain to get his second year guaranteed and give him a chance to fight for minutes. He had earned at least that second look and plenty more. There is not much more Briscoe could have done to further his career.

Of course, he did not finish his season. He tore his meniscus against the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 28. He tried to play through it for a few games, but could not continue. He played his final game March 5 in Philadelphia and was out for the season.

He lost the protection of a multi-year contract too as the Magic opted to cut him so they could make Michael Carter-Williams playoff eligible. That set Briscoe adrift to rehab on his own — still within the Amway Center, but away from his teammates who have clearly taken a liking to him.

Briscoe’s numbers are not overly impressive. He was a wrecking ball and change-of-pace point guard for the team. His role had a very specific purpose for the team. It is hard to figure out who else would value him the same way. Or if he has any value at all.

It feels like Briscoe has to start completely over. He has to prove he is healthy again first and then make a roster all over again. At least he has some NBA tape to back him up.

He certainly could find his way back to the Magic. He was a favorite in the locker room and has a connection with players on the roster already.

The Magic may need a back-up point guard or third point guard again. And Briscoe is an option the team knows and could turn to again.

But he still has to go out and prove it again. That is what happens when a player on the fringes gets injured.