3 Orlando Magic players who will decide the season

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 13: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic is defended by Dalen Terry #25 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on February 13, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3 Orlando Magic players who will decide the season

3. Jonathan Isaac

Jonathan Isaac is now back in the rotation for the Magic, after more than two years out injured. Although he has yet to feature in a back-to-back, he has already shown more than enough glimpses of the player he was before going down.

Isaac is managing just more than 10 minutes per contest, but having now played in 10 games he is heading in the right direction.

Even more encouraging are the defensive numbers, and they are the reason Isaac makes this list.

Another day another great defensive play from Jonathan Isaac. Stays in front of him on the POA, then even though Moe Wagner draws the foul, Isaac had already rotated over to Drummond while disrupting the pass. JI has still been great on defense since returning #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/cIpmeX6J8R
— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) February 14, 2023

The sample size may still be small, but the Magic have a defensive rating of 106.8 when Isaac is on the court. That would be by far and away the best mark in the league if it applied to the team as a whole.

Even in the month of February, where the Magic rank fourth in defensive rating at 108.8, they look miles better when Isaac is on the court. The only issue now is taking the training wheels off and having him play more.

Jonathan Isaac arrives at the perfect time for the franchise, because they have cut ties with Mo Bamba and we know that Bol Bol is extremely limited defensively.

Related Story. Bol Bol is finding his groove again with the Magic. light

So Isaac’s abilities mean he can cover a small amount of Wendell Carter’s minutes, and play alongside him to really slow opponents down.

If Isaac can stay on the court, average 15-18 minutes a game and keep that same defensive energy, the Magic will be in great shape the rest of the way.