For most players in NBA, merely the thought of missing two entire seasons to injury is completely unfathomable. But this was the reality for Jonathan Isaac, whose absence from the game began back on Aug. 2, 2020, when he tore his ACL during a game in Orlando. He made his comeback yesterday and shows a promising future for the Magic.
While the management limited the limits of the 25-year-old rookie, he can certainly bring something into the Orlando Magic squad which is still at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Orlando has +10000 odds to be the Southeast Division champs according to FanDuel sportsbook, while DraftKings set +1200 odds that the magic can make it to the playoffs.
It has been a rough season for the Magic but entering the playoffs is still possible, and Isaac could be a vital piece as they go forward.
Jonathan Isaac Returns
After missing out on all of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, along with almost half of 2022-23, Isaac finally made his long-awaited return to action against the Boston Celtics (35-14) on Monday night. Despite being under a tight minutes restriction, he recorded 10 points in just under 10 minutes of playing time – which was ultimately enough to help propel his team to victory.
In reflecting on his return, the 6′ 10″ power forward noted how much was going through his mind when he checked in and confessed that there were times when he doubted whether this day would ever come. He credits his faith and trust in God as what carried him through those tough moments.
“There were days where I was like I don’t know if I want to keep going,” Isaac said. “
But then again, I have to thank Christ. Being able to go back to my faith and say God has me on this journey for a purpose. I know that I was made to play basketball. I was made to give glory to God on this stage.”
What Can Issac Bring?
The Orlando Magic are hoping Jonathan Isaac’s return from injury can bring the defensive intensity that has been lacking all season long. The difference when Isaac is on the court versus off the court is remarkable; when he is on, the team has been successful in mitigating their opponents offensively.
His shot-blocking and superior on-ball defense have made him a vital asset defensively and have given the otherwise young Magic roster an elite anchor to stabilize them at their weakest point. It will be interesting to see if his presence can give Orlando enough of a defensive boost to turn around what’s been an overall struggling season thus far.
The Magic are building one of the best young cores in the league right now. Paolo Banchero is having a terrific season which makes him No. 1 not just in the draft, but also in the Rookie of the Year race with +190 odds. Franz Wagner (+5000) and Wendell Carter (+5000) are also putting up great effort on the court which put them in the Most Improved Player conversation, yet the team must not stop here if they are aiming to put Orlando back on the map.
Bolstering their defensive line is key—and with Isaac back, his mere presence will increase defensive efforts even further and bring more stability on that side of the floor. It all comes down to maintaining this growth and building around it to form a championship-caliber roster that can last for years.
Orlando Magic Update
Orlando Magic won their two games since Isaac’s return. Despite being 7.5 underdogs, they blew out the Boston Celtics (35-14), 113-98, which gives them a 3-1 season series record over the league-leading team.
They also covered the 5.5 spread after holding off the Indiana Pacers (24-26), 126-120 on their Wednesday night’s match-up. Isaac still got limited minutes (8) but still put up 5 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, on 50% FG.
They head to Miami to face the Heat (27-22) on January 26.