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Orlando Magic: 3 way-too-early bold predictions for 2017-18 season

By Luke Duffy

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 23: Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman and Head Coach Frank Vogel introduce 2017 Magic Draft Picks Jonathan Issac and Wesley Iwundu during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 23: Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman and Head Coach Frank Vogel introduce 2017 Magic Draft Picks Jonathan Issac and Wesley Iwundu during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Jonathan Isaac walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Jonathan Isaac walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. Jonathan Isaac wins the Rookie of the Year award

Ok, so this already looks like the best draft class since 2003. Still, in a year where point guards look to be leading the way with this crop of youngsters, Jonathan Isaac represents something different.

His blend of size, ball-handling and shooting make him a unique prospect who is just that bit different to his lottery counterparts.

Going purely on body type and basic skills alone, Isaac immediately draws comparisons to both Kevin Durant and Kristaps Porzingis. Early Summer League play has been promising, with Isaac averaging 10.8 points and eight rebounds a game.

He’s shot 44.4 percent from the field, and made two of the four free throws he attempted.

We can’t take much from games played in July, but Isaac’s style of play, combined with the Magic crying out for a player with star potential, could make him a Rookie of the Year candidate.

With the likes of Elfrid Payton, Bismack Biyombo and Aaron Gordon often sharing the court together, it can become very cramped.

Isaac’s floor-spacing abilities will breathe new life into the offense, while it’s not impossible to see the team being turned over to him as the season winds on.

In a more open Eastern Conference, a fine rookie campaign in which he helps this team become more competitive may lead him to the Rookie of the Year award.

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