Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who missed the entire 2020/21 season while recovering from a torn left ACL, remains unsure of the exact timetable for his return to action this fall, writes Chris Hays of The Orlando Sentinel.
As Hays details, Isaac addressed his recovery briefly during a community event in Orlando on Sunday. The former lottery pick confirmed he’s getting closer to returning to action, but wasn’t ready to guarantee he’ll be in the lineup for the Magic’s regular season opener on October 20.
“We’ll see. That’s all I can say about that is: we’ll see,” Isaac said when asked if he’d play on opening night. “I’m on the court. I’m weaning out of the brace. I’m jumping. I’m finishing around the basket and such. I’m easing my way. … I’m getting there.”
Although Isaac’s injury technically occurred during the 2019/20 regular season, he hasn’t had as long to recover as he would during a typical NBA year due to the league’s compressed schedule since the coronavirus stoppage. He tore his ACL last August during the 2020 summer restart at Walt Disney World.
Even if Isaac is cleared for action prior to opening night, the Magic figure to proceed with caution. The 23-year-old forward, who has displayed All-Defense talent early in his career, is a key part of the club’s future, having been locked up through the 2024/25 season with a four-year extension last December.
Orlando is also in full-fledged rebuilding mode and likely won’t be in the mix for a playoff spot this season, so there’s no reason to bring back Isaac until the team is certain he’s back to 100%. However, for his part, the former Florida State standout is feeling optimistic about his ability to return to the court soon.
“I feel good. My knee is doing great. I’m making strides, I’m getting stronger and I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Isaac said on Sunday, per Hays.
Isaac was looking good before he got hurt. At 6’ 11” He’s more a PF now. Showed more strength and toughness too. I think he can be a big time scoring 4. All these big and long 19 yr olds. Don’t develop till after 2-3 yrs. It’s crazy to think they should be helping right away. Unfortunately 35% of them get their confidence killed. And take longer or never get it back. I see Isaac as a serious 4 in the making.
His only issue, in my opinion, is offensive confidence and willingness to attack. In college, I thought he reminded me of KEVIN Durant defensively, and he has the chance to be a special player. He knows how to play; was in all of the right spots defensively. He was probably my favorite guy coming into that draft. Hopefully the injury doesnt impact him
He is definitely a 4, but he can be used at the 3 in certain lineups. Obviously though, he is better off at the 4, which should be interesting to see b/c even though they got rid of Gordon, they still have other options at that position
Magic love giving money to dudes that will spend more time in the training room than the court