It is no secret that Jonathan Isaac was having a breakout season during the 2019-2020 season. He was averaging 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28 minutes per action. Jonathan Isaac’s improvement on the offensive end was clearly apparent. His field goal shooting percentage improved from 37.9% in 2017-2018 to 47.0% in 2019-2020. Subsequently, His effective field goal shooting percentage improved from 43.4% in 2017-2018 to 51.8% in 2019-2020. Giving that his minutes and field goal attempts has increased during each season, there’s only one thing to conclude: If you give Jonathan Isaac more playing time and more shots, he will rise to the challenge.

In addition, he was emerging as one of the best premier defenders in the league at 2.3 blocks per game and 1.6 steals per game. He was one of the shining stars of that 2019-2020 Orlando Magic team. He was a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors during the early portion of the 2019-2020 season. Unfortunately, critical injuries derailed his progress. He suffered a brutal knee strain on the first day of 2020. Although he was able to return to the team before the seeding rounds, he suffered an ACL tear that kept him out for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season as well as the entire 2020-2021 season.

While it remains to be seen when Isaac returns for the season, there is plenty of reason to believe that he will make an impact when he returns to the lineup. It is no secret that he will contribute defensively. Given that the Orlando Magic were fortunate to draft Jalen Suggs at #5 in the 2021 Draft, I believe that Jonathan Isaac will rediscover his offensive game quickly thanks to the potential backcourt tandem of Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz. This tandem is sure to keep defenses on their toes. More importantly, Jonathan Isaac will bring his talented defensive ability to a roster that is poised to be a greater defensive team then the 2019-2020 roster.

It is no secret that Jalen Suggs is known for his greater perimeter defense. Fultz emerged as an increasingly reliable option on defense. In addition, the Magic drafted another potentially great on-ball defender in Moe Wagner. I believe that Jonathan Isaac will bring this team from a good defensive team to a GREAT defensive team. Given the plethora of young talent on this roster, there is a lot for Magic fans to be excited. However, the return of Jonathan Judah Isaac should send the excitement of Magic fans through the roof.