5 Questions for the Second Quarter of the Orlando Magic’s Season

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s second quarter

Is Jonathan Isaac untouchable?

In theory, Jonathan Isaac could be a great player and has shown plenty of positive signs: All-Defense, future Defensive Player of the Year or even sliding into the All-Star game.

But those are lofty goals for a player that has barely seen the floor due to significant injury.

Injuries have been the story of Isaac’s career so far. And there is still not a clear timetable for his return. It should happen though at some point before the midpoint of the season.

But the team Isaac is returning to is very different than the one he left. And it is easy to forget all of the specifics of Isaac’s play.

In five seasons with the Magic, Isaac has played a total of 136 games. He suffered a torn ACL that has sidelined him since August 2020. While his return has been long-awaited, the 136 games warranted a conservative approach to his injury.

Career-wise Isaac has posted 9.3 points per game, an effective field goal percentage of 49.6-percent and a defensive rating of 105.

That does not say much but if you take a look at his per-100 possession numbers during the 2020 season, they are up to par with the league’s best defenders.

Bam Adebayo posted a 106 defensive rating when he was on the floor with 1.9 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Kawhi Leonard had a 104 defensive rating with 0.8 blocks and 2.6 steals per game. Brook Lopez had a 100 defensive rating with 4.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

All of those players made the All-Defensive team in 2020 and play a similar position as Isaac. The Magic forward, albeit in a significantly smaller sample size put up a 103 defensive rating with 3.9 blocks and 2.6 steals per game.

Numbers do not tell the whole story. But it is clear Isaac has one of the best defensive presences in the game. If he successfully returns, he could be a force to be reckoned with.

That being said, the ACL tear and the extended absence have raised a few questions. The team can only wait so long and Franz Wagner has begun to establish himself as a solid wing forward option and there are more versatile forwards available at the top of this draft.

A players’ best ability is availability and there is no denying Isaac has not been available. He has to prove himself all over again.

Should the Magic be married to the idea that Isaac is a foundational piece to their franchise? His four-year, $70-million contract is movable and almost all 29 other teams are in need of his skills which could warrant a significant return if the Magic consider trading him.

Isaac just has to prove he can play first.

In order to improve, the Magic will need to be realistic with their roster and if an opportunity presents itself, Isaac shouldn’t be untouchable.