More of Isaac’s skill set has begun emerging
Greater minutes on court in 2nd year spurred growth
Jonathan Isaac’s sophomore season with the Orlando Magic was nothing like his rookie campaign, and that was a good thing.
When the Magic drafted the 6-foot-10 Isaac sixth overall in 2017, they envisioned him becoming an elite defender and a perimeter presence who could stretch defenses.
Isaac appeared in just 27 games as a rookie as injuries stunted his growth. But the Magic saw flashes of his skill set this season.
Let’s take a closer look Isaac’s 2018-19 campaign. at
Games: 75. Games started: 64. Minutes: 26.6 per game.
Per-game averages: points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 0.8 steals, 1.3 blocks.
9.6 assists,
Shooting figures: 42.9 FG%, 32.3 3P%, 81.5 FT%.
Contract status: Isaac completed the second year of his rookie contract that will pay him $5,806,440 next season. The Buzz: With 18 points and 10 rebounds against the Celtics, Isaac recorded a double-double in just his fourth game of the season. He followed that with 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks against the Trail Blazers the next game.
Then his shooting went cold. After that, he sustained an ankle sprain and missed six games, and it started to look like his rookie season all over again.
Luckily for Isaac Magic, it wasn’t.
He rejoined the starting lineup for Game 27 and stayed there for the next 54 contests. Isaac missed the season finale while he was in the league’s concussion protocol.
In between, Isaac began to establish himself as an emerging two-way player. He showed improved range and the shooting to pair with his defensive tenacity.
During a 10-game stretch from February into March, Isaac shot 45.5 percent on his 3-point attempts (20 of 44).
“He’s worked so hard,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said at the time. “His shot mechanics are so much more consistent.”
Isaac played a key the Magic went 7-1 role as before the All-Star break to get back in the playoff chase.
He averaged 14.5 points and 7.1 rebounds, and shot 47.2 percent. He also posted double-doubles in wins against the Pacers (13 points, 13 rebounds) and Nets (10 points, 12 rebounds).
Isaac also sank a crucial 3-pointer from the corner in the closing minutes of the Magic’s 104-101 victory against the Raptors in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
Isaac’s offensive skills even drew praise from Kevin Durant.
During an All-Star Game media-day interview, Durant included Isaac’s name among current NBA players who continue to alter the way teams use their big men.
The future: Like most young players, Isaac battled consistency issues, but that was certainly to be expected in what was essentially his rookie season. Isaac is hard on himself, but that desire to succeed also works to his advantage as he strives to improve and make another leap in performance like he did from Year 1 to Year 2.
Expect his numbers only get better. to