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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, Josh Richardson, Miami Heat
Jonathan Isaac has built confidence as a strong defender. Now confidence has to come from his newfound strength and on offense. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Building Confidence

Last year felt like Jonathan Isaac’s actual rookie year.

He missed so much time in his first season in the NBA, it was almost a false start. The team kept expectations managed and had him fill in the roster rather than be a major player on it. His usage rate hovered around 16 percent for much of the season.

The team understands Isaac’s growth is a big part of the team’s future development. A modest improvement for Isaac as a 3-point shooter and potential driver off those misses. The Magic seem ready to hand him some more offensive responsibility too.

They already trust he is a strong defender. With more strength to take the bumps and bruises the best players inflict on defenders, Isaac could further realize his defensive potential. Orlando has a strong defensive group to throw at the league’s best perimeter players.

But where Isaac’s ceiling is remains a bit of a mystery.

Zach Lowe of ESPN listed Isaac as one of his most intriguing players to watch this season. A lot of that is because it is unclear what kind of a leap Isaac can make this season and what his overall ceiling as a player might be.

Jonathan Isaac is already a solid defender at 21 years old and does the things a coach like Steve Clifford likes from a player. But there is still plenty missing in his development.

Related Story. 2020 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Jonathan Isaac. light

The criticism of Isaac from his days with the Florida State Seminoles was his seeming lack of killer instinct. Despite getting the accolades of a potential top pick, it seemed like Isaac was comfortable blending in too much. He deferred to the senior players on that team.

That carried over to the NBA as he tried to learn the league and find his place on a team full of established players. He definitely played the part of the rookie.

That was fine considering his skill set. But Orlando wants him to come to the fore when the time calls for it now.

Last year, Isaac had some moments where he stepped up. He hit the big shot in an early game against the Boston Celtics on his way to a then-career-high 18 points. He had 19 points in the win over the Miami Heat that paved the path for the Orlando Magic to make the playoffs.

His offense has to be more than a bonus from Isaac for the team to get where it wants. His turnaround offensively was a big part of the team’s run.

And so Isaac has to show the confidence and composure to pick his spots and take advantage of the defense when they leave him. There will be nights where the team turns to him to take over and make the defense pay.