Steals: Markelle Fultz
Another category where the Orlando Magic will miss Jonathan Isaac’s defensive skillset is when it comes to steals. He led the team with 1.6 per game last year but should he miss the entire season as the team has said, it looks as though Markelle Fultz will become the main steal threat.
His quickness and reading of the game means opposing teams have to be wary of him. Last season we saw him often burst in front of a player to intercept a pass and drive the team up the court with his excellent transition play.
He averaged 1.3 per game last year and there is every chance he could boost this number next season. The main area fans will be looking for improvement in when it comes to Fultz is his shooting but continuing to develop on the defensive end is also important, especially with Isaac out.
Steals are a surprisingly important factor coach Steve Clifford pointed to as the Magic try to regain their defensive identity.
Depending on how much game time he receives, Michael Carter-Williams could also challenge Markelle Fultz as the team’s leader on steals. He averaged 1.1 per game last season and will be relied upon for some defensive solidity in the backcourt, though will likely not play a massive part in the rotation.
Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier cannot be ruled out either. Both averaged the same number of steals as Carter-Williams did and Ross especially brings plenty of energy whenever he is on the court.