Orlando Magic Playbook: Jonathan Isaac an expert at spacing, finding ways to score

Instincts and Awareness

This basic understanding of spacing has benefited Jonathan Isaac on both sides of the ball.

He obviously plays with a lot more instinct and technique defensively. A lot of the Magic’s defensive success so far this season is built on what Isaac has done to disrupt teams. His length has turned him into the Magic’s top rim protector and it is easy to believe he leads the team in deflections.

But the Magic’s success this season will depend on Isaac making the most of his offensive talents.

Orlando needs him to hit from the outside to loosen the defense. Making shots, as has been the case for everyone, has proven very difficult. But Isaac is putting himself in positions to score and impact offensively even without any plays seemingly run for him.

That is because Isaac has an understanding of spacing and how to use space to create scoring opportunities. At this point, this is his greatest offensive skill. He can find ways to make himself available.

And that is how he makes plays like this sequence where he floated to the corner to get a Markelle Fultz pass for a big three and then blocked a Serge Ibaka shot on the other end:

This sequence shows everything Isaac can be. A defensive force on one end and a reliable and smart shooter on the other. His outburst against the Raptors on Monday was a sign of everything he can be.

And he can be a lot more as he develops more confidence working on the ball. During the preseason, he showed a willingness to attack off the dribble more and a tighter handle. The Magic are not running him in pick and rolls yet, but that option still remains, especially in transition.

Instead, for now, Isaac is showing off his ability to see the floor and his basketball intelligence to find the open space. He has always been solid at this. He attacks gaps and can cut to finish at the rim. He can float to the right spot to receive a pass and get an open shot. And he can hit a one-dribble pull up.

Like with so many things with Isaac, it becomes about his confidence and his ability to finish and make shots. That is what the Magic need.

His early-season run has been a bit mixed. He has not been afraid to shoot when the time calls for it. Monday he finally hit.