Isaac looks forward to first training camp
Jonathan Isaac can’t wait for Tuesday morning.
Three months after the Orlando Magic drafted him sixth overall, the lanky forward from FSU eagerly awaits his first official NBA training-camp practice.
“I t ’s everything I thought it would be coming up,” Isaac said. “You have your nerves, but you’re anxious at the same time to play. I’m just super excited as well to get everybody here — all the teammates here — and get to work.”
Isaac will have plenty of work to do.
One-and-done players typically face a steep learning curve in the NBA, and Isaac should be no exception. Almost a week shy of his 20th birthday, the railthin Isaac must put muscle onto his 6-foot-10 frame and gain experience to be effective.
He gained a taste of the NBA when he participated in several summer-league games in early Ju l y and another taste when he attended a voluntary Magic minicamp in Los Angeles a few weeks ago.
Isaac said the speed of the game will be his biggest adjustment.
“Even playing pickup [games], these guys [the veteran players] know so much, and they’re able to apply their understanding with that speed,” Isaac said. “And that’s something I’m lacking right now. So definitely understanding the game and playing at that speed is tough.” twice last season — and for good reason, given Payton’s disappointing play on defense and inconsistent play on offense.
In t h e o r y, Gordon should benefit from opening the season as a power forward, his most effective position. But as talented as he is, Gordon still hasn’t developed a reliable midrange jumper or longrange jumper. The best thing he can do is to stick to what he does best: defending, rebounding and running the floor for easy baskets.
Hezonja, now entering his third season, is an even bigger mystery. So far, he hasn’t fulfilled the enormous expectations that came with being picked fifth overall in 2015. This summer, h oweve r, he worked with independent coach Mike Penberthy in Southern California. Hezonja hopes the season ahead can be his breakout year.
Isaac, the sixth overall pick in June, faces a steep learning curve, like most one-and- done players fresh out of college. Vogel and his coaches must find a way to make Isaac comfortable while they also create a solid foundation for him to develop.