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Orlando Magic Media Day: Jonathan Isaac grew — in height, in confidence and on the court

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jonathan Isaac was at ease during media day and is ready to expand his game. (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jonathan Isaac was at ease during media day and is ready to expand his game. (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
Jonathan Isaac gained confidence to end the season and began displaying his talent. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

‘A lion with a giraffe’s body’

Everyone on the roster understands the immense potential Jonathan Isaac has. His size and defensive intelligence make him a true difference-maker on that end. Everyone remembers him erasing shots against John Collins and the Atlanta Hawks and how he could bottle up opposing wings.

A big part of the Magic’s eagerness for their season is the anticipation of having a top defense with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac able to switch and defend opposing wings.

"“J.I. is going to keep getting better and better,” Aaron Gordon said Monday at Media Day. “He is going to be a force in this league for a long time. I’m excited to play with him. It’s great having a guy like that out there on the floor. The length and intangibles are there. He’s going to figure it out. Once he puts it together, it’s going to be scary for the league.”"

Teammates were seemingly impressed with the work Isaac put in to change his body and gain strength. They also found it hard to describe Isaac as a player anymore.

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    • Here was a guy that players were openly wondering if Jonathan Isaac was not taller than the 7-foot Mohamed Bamba now. The NBA’s new requirement that teams list players’ actual heights will settle that debate soon.

    But height does not particularly matter. Isaac plays like a wing and that is the advantage he has. With his other physical attributes, it is hard not to go into hyperbole describing him.

    "“The most important thing for a young guy is to be comfortable with your game and always work and be ready to play,” Terrence Ross said. “I don’t know if you have seen him, he looks like he is 20-30 pounds heavier. The way he is moving, I’ve never seen anybody move like that. The way J.I. moves is unreal. It’s like a giraffe moving like a lion. It’s unreal the way he moves for his size. I’m excited for him this season too.”"

    That movement for someone Isaac’s size is truly rare. For a team seeking a superstar player and someone with elite or unique skills, Isaac represents a big piece of that puzzle.

    That excitement is felt throughout the roster. And it seems to leave Isaac’s skills as limitless.

    Many teammates were able to watch Isaac grow throughout the summer. He spent most of his summer in Orlando and at the AdventHealth Practice Facility.

    They all know Isaac presents a unique skill set for a player his size that could help transform their team. It is just about fostering his growth and letting him loose when his shot is starting to fall.