Optimistic Isaac confident he’ll play this year
There is no specific timetable set for Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac’s return to the basketball floor, but Isaac remains optimistic he can rejoin the lineup at some point when his team resumes play at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Isaac said Monday while he doesn’t want to set himself up for disappointment, he’s working toward his goal of playing this season.
“I’m optimistic. I have no reservations in my mind. … If I’m ready to play and I get the clearance, I’m ready to go,” Isaac said during the team’s post-practice videoconference from the NBA’s bubble on Disney World property. “That’s pretty much where I’m at. We’re taking it day-by-day and I’m listening to our front office and the guys that work with me each day to get there. … I’m definitely optimistic about my chances.”
Isaac has been sidelined since suffering a posterolateral corner tear and medial bone contusion in his left knee. The third-year pro was off to his best start of his short career. In 32 games, he was averaging 12 points and seven rebounds per game. He was also among the league leaders in blocked shots at 2.4 per game and averaged almost two steals per game.
Isaac has maintained throughout his recovery period he doesn’t allow frustration to overcome him and he relies on his faith to carry him through not just this current setback but life in general.
“I try my best to lean on my faith and to trust God and everything he has planned for my life,” Isaac said. “He knows exactly where I’m at and nothing happens by accident. … I have the mindset that I can either get bitter or get better, and I choose each day to try my best to get better.
“It is frustrating maybe on the day-to-day when you’ve gotta get up and maybe you don’t feel like it, and push and grind and press, but it’s rewarded when you do it.”
Magic coach Steve Clifford said Isaac already has made great strides since opening practice this past week, and that Isaac’s off-court presence is also valuable. Monday was the fifth day of practice for the Magic, and Isaac was given Sunday off. The whole team will be off on Tuesday.
“First of all, it’s great just having him around. He’s a great person. He’s a great teammate. He’s the kind of guy who brings a lot of positives to your group even when he can’t play,” Clifford said. “In terms of, ‘Will he be ready?‘ I don’t think we’re gonna