The Magic Insider

Magic PF Paolo Banchero Praises Jonathan Isaac's Defense

Jonathan Isaac's defense has upgraded the Orlando Magic and impressed Paolo Banchero.

Jeremy Brener

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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Several players contribute to the Magic's defense, but arguably the most dangerous player of the bunch is power forward Jonathan Isaac.

When healthy, Isaac makes the good defensive team look great.

Paolo Banchero Jonathan Isaac
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

“I don’t honestly think I’ve ever seen a defender quite like him," Banchero said in an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks. "He’s a guy who when he gets on a playoff scene or on TV a lot of people are gonna realize just how great he is on that end."

Isaac is on pace to appear in his first playoff series since 2019. The Magic last made the postseason in 2020, but Isaac suffered a torn ACL in the bubble just before the playoffs began four years ago.

Since then, Isaac has been clawing back to return to the court. And it's no surprise that the Magic are enjoying their best season in years now that Isaac has played more frequently.

Isaac has played in 43 games so far this season, and he will soon pass his total from the last four seasons combined in the next week or so. Isaac played in 45 games from 2019-23.

The Magic has been incredibly patient with Isaac, likely more than most, but they kept him all this time for what he could mean in a playoff run, and Orlando may finally benefit from their persistence here very soon.

Magic Win Streak Snapped in Blowout Loss vs. Knicks

Isaac and the Magic return to action Sunday when the Indiana Pacers come to the Kia Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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