3 goals for the Orlando Magic to make their focus in 2023
By Luke Duffy
3 goals for the Orlando Magic in 2023
2. Decide what to do with Jonathan Isaac
Despite encouraging talk from the franchise earlier this season, Christmas has come and gone, and we have still not seen Jonathan Isaac suit up for the Orlando Magic. Which has thrown up the astonishing stat that already Franz Wagner has played more games for the team than Isaac.
In fact, on Sunday it will be three years since Isaac last started a game for the Magic. It has been a long time since Isaac saw the floor and at some point, the team has to throw away some caution and let him go out and play.
He has been assigned to the Lakeland Magic twice now, and he will be back sooner rather than later. When that happens, it will go a long way to defining the direction of the roster, and how it shapes their chances of competing in 2023.
If Isaac hits the ground running, does that make Mo Bamba expendable? How much will it impact the minutes of Bol Bol and Moe Wagner, two players who have been important to the success of the organization this season?
If it goes badly, how little will the Magic be comfortable with getting in return for the former lottery pick? A player with tremendous defensive upside. A first-round pick? A young player in the same category as R.J. Hampton (raw, with upside) and two picks? A similar haul to Aaron Gordon?
It is likely the Magic will not be rushed into any decision right away. But what if a third scenario raises its head, and that is that a fringe contender rings about the availability of Isaac if he plays reasonably well upon returning?
Will the team then have to think about cashing in on a player who we have not seen in nearly two and a half seasons, when his stock may be as high as it ever will? Whether he stays or goes, the return of Isaac and what to do with him should be a major focus for the Magic in 2023.