Jonathan Isaac Healthy, But Orlando Magic Still Monitoring Him

After missing most of his career with injuries, Jonathan Isaac will be eased back into the Orlando Magic's rotation.

After missing effectively three and a half seasons with injury, Jonathan Isaac is back to form and ready to contribute for the Orlando Magic. Isaac was drafted sixth overall back in 2017 for his rim protection and insane athleticism.

With only two full seasons under his belt since then, Isaac has slipped through the cracks and isn’t considered a key part of the rotation, but if he’s healthy he can be one of the best defenders in the league.

Isaac is not slated to crack the starting lineup at the start of the season, but coach Jamahl Mosley sees how Isaac can impact Orlando. Like any player coming back from injury, caution will be exercised.

Isaac looks for a teamate in one of his 11 games last season.  / © Mike Watters, USA TODAY

"I think we're going to continue to monitor and you know, watching him as games go in and out," Mosley said. 

That likely means a minutes restriction for him and more rest days than most 26-year-old players receive.

Mosley does seem remarkably excited about Isaac’s return. “His defensive effort is something that we've known he's capable of doing. He's one of the best defenders I've ever been around his bat is IQ on the defensive end has just something special."

In the past, Mosley has coached Tyson Chandler, Marcus Camby, Chauncey Billups, and Baron Davis. Those four players combined to lead the league in blocks four times steals twice, made nine All-Defensive Teams, and won two Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Mosley has been exposed to excellent defense, and for Isaac to be mentioned alongside those stars is high praise.

Last season, Orlando allowed 114 points per game, which was right in the middle of the league. If Isaac can return to form and anchor a league-average defense, his presence alone can be enough to elevate Orlando’s ceiling, and that’s ignoring the developments of other young Magic players.

Of course, staying healthy needs to be the top priority, and at the start of the season, that will be the main concern.