5 questions for the Orlando Magic entering free agency

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Jonathan Isaac’s return was again cut short as the Orlando Magic forward had to recover from a late-season surgery. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

5 questions for the Orlando Magic entering free agency

How much are the Orlando Magic going to rely on Jonathan Isaac?

This seems like the ultimate question every year of late right? Is Jonathan Isaac going to be healthy and actually step on the floor?

Isaac made his triumphant return to the court last year after three years recovering from two separate major knee injuries. He played in only 11 games before a hamstring injury forced him back to the surgeon’s table.

That surgery was described as not serious and he was expected to be back in time to have a full summer and certainly to be ready for training camp. But there is no such thing as a minor injury when it comes to Isaac anymore. The team is still going to be so careful with him.

The Magic’s forward group has some depth to it but how reliable is that depth? Obviously, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero are the team’s unquestioned starters. Behind them, Jett Howard and Anthony Black work more with the guard groups but could fill in at small forward.

At power forward? The team right now would be relying on Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke and Bol Bol to fill those minutes. Bol had a solid season last year but showed a lot of his flaws. Okeke has had his moments but has really struggled with injuries despite his defensive potential. Unless those players have improved behind the scenes, the Magic would be relying on Isaac to man that backup spot.

There have been rumors the Orlando Magic will be among the many teams chasing after Boston Celtics restricted free agent Grant Williams this offseason. He provides some defensive tenacity and solid 3-point shooting to the team that signs him.

If they miss on him, a sharpshooter like Georges Niang might make sense too, even if he is limited to just being a shooter.

If Orlando is truly ready to move on from Jonathan Isaac, veteran Harrison Barnes might be a solid versatile option to bring into the fold. It is not clear whether he would want to take on such a smallish role with a team like the Magic. It would likely take an overpay to get him.

If the Magic want to keep the versatility kick they are on with seemingly every other position, Trey Lyles could be a good grab too. He could fill in as a versatile, but undersized center, but works best as a playmaking fulcrum from the power forward spot.

Other options might include former Wekiva High School alum and Philadelphia 76ers big man Paul Reed.

There are some options out there to boost both the forward and center spots. The Magic should be able to take a flyer on someone, although they may not move newspapers.