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Predicting which Orlando Magic players can contend for future awards

By Andres Rosero

Jonathan Isaac's most impressive performance came against the Dallas Mavericks in November. It proved the Orlando Magic forward can make a leap. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Jonathan Isaac's most impressive performance came against the Dallas Mavericks in November. It proved the Orlando Magic forward can make a leap. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Steven Adams
Jonathan Isaac has already established himself as a defensive force. And he will step right back into that role when he returns to the Orlando Magic. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Isaac: Comeback Player & Defensive Player of the Year

Jonathan Isaac is perhaps the Orlando Magic’s best player. If Isaac returns from his ACL tear fully healthy, not only will he be a contender for Comeback Player of the Year, but also the Defensive Player of the Year.

Isaac will return to a Magic roster that is vastly different than the one that he played in when he got hurt. Jonathan Isaac will return to the Magic as the star player of the team — the centerpiece that will be entrusted with leading the Magic in a capacity that was vacated with the departure of Nikola Vucevic.

Isaac is one of the most interesting players in the NBA and was improving significantly before his ACL tear on Aug. 2, 2020.

Isaac was considered one of the NBA’s most promising two-way players before his injury and there is no indication to believe he will not continue on this trajectory upon his return.

Prior to his season ending, Isaac was a force on the defensive end, averaging an incredible 1.4 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. He was instrumental toward the Magic’s top 15 defense at the time.

Last year the Magic had a 105.7 defensive rating with Isaac on the floor, compared to their season average of 109.2 for the season and 109.8 with him off the floor. Narrowing the focus to before his original injury last season, the Magic had a 105.2 defensive rating with Isaac on the floor compared to a 106.3 defensive rating overall and 105.5 defensive rating with him off the floor.

The team was much stronger with him defensively last year and they missed his ability to clean up messes routinely.

He has been out so long, it is easy to forget how dynamic he is on defense:

In addition to increased opportunities, Isaac will have the benefit of playing with a roster that is amenable to his skillset relative to the one that he played on before his injury.

Isaac is returning to a team that has the personnel to incorporate a switching defense that has become the standard of many successful teams in the modern NBA.

Next. Future outlook for Orlando Magic's acquired players. dark

Isaac is the quintessential switch defense player, as he has the ability to guard all positions at a very high quality. Surrounding Isaac with players who match his style of play will serve to improve his stock as an individual defender and attract even more attention to his play style.