Orlando Magic’s starting five will be dangerous once healthy

Orlando Magic’s ideal starting lineup

POWER FORWARD – Jonathan Isaac

The power forward position is arguably the easiest decision to make of the five positions when the team is fully healthy.

Jonathan Isaac has already shown the ability to play at an all-defensive team level. Isaac creates the havoc on defense that creates fast break opportunities and transition opportunities that will be key for Orlando to find easy points.

That type of defense is the type of energy and pressure the coaching staff is trying to create for this team. Isaac is a great defender off and on the ball and will be able to save defensive possessions, which Orlando has not had a player of that caliber since Dwight Howard.

Isaac has also shown a steady improvement on the offensive end.

When last seen, Isaac was displaying a stronger offensive game that could have changed the team’s fortunes in the bubble and beyond if he remained healthy. Jonathan Isaac shot 34-percent from three during the 2020 season, and like Markelle Fultz, according to Jeff Weltman, has improved his shooting ability while rehabbing from his injury.

The question right now is when the Magic will see Isaac on the floor. The team has been overly cautious with his return, hoping to prevent any further injuries or stops in his return once he hits the court. It will happen at some point this season and there is no reason to think Isaac will not have a full recovery.

Once Isaac returns to the court, he will make a difference on both ends of the court. He will create opportunities for the Magic to score easy points in transition and be the centerpiece of the Magic’s defense.