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Orlando Magic have lineup options in bringing back Jonathan Isaac

By Dan Bennett

Jonathan Isaac is still rehabbing from his knee injury and likely will not be ready to go for training camp. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Isaac is still rehabbing from his knee injury and likely will not be ready to go for training camp. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Preparing for Jonathan Isaac’s Return

Mo Bamba

It has been great to see Mo Bamba finally get an opportunity to show what he is capable of this season. After years of stagnation under Steve Clifford and the center having to battle injury and illness, he has finally established himself as someone who can make an impact on both ends of the floor.

Bamba’s ability to alter or block shots has never been in question. This year he is averaging 2.2 blocks per game and contests 10.7 shots per game according to NBA.com, which ranks him 15th among all players in the league.

He is quite clearly getting better with more opportunity but he is still playing catch up after years of being underused when Clifford was head coach.

There are still lapses in concentration on defense where he does not read the play quickly enough. He still has a long way to go to improve both his post defense and offense against better matchups.

The team is finally working out what they have in Bamba but his development continues to be a gradual process. The Magic opted not to extend Bamba, as they did with Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter and Markelle Fultz, deciding instead to wait until the end of the season to make a decision on his contract.

If a decision is yet to be made, Jeff Weltman and his staff will have to make up their minds soon on what the plan is for Bamba. At present, he is a decent rotation big who can alter and block shots and knock down a couple of his own at the other end.

Moving him back to the bench would be a difficult choice to make given that he is steadily improving as a starter, but Carter has so far proven more dependable on defense when played at the 5.

Having Bamba come in as part of a second unit — which needs more help — while ensuring he gets enough minutes to continue his development seems like the most logical step if Isaac can stay healthy when he returns.

Orlando Magic can't find their center as mistakes pile up. dark. Next

The Magic simply have to make room for Isaac when he is available. He is the only player on the roster who has consistently proven he can do something at an elite level and while it is not an easy decision to make, it may well be that Bamba is the one to lose out when his teammate returns to full health.