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Orlando Magic: 3 worst things from season so far

By Luke Duffy

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 26: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 26: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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1. The injury to Jonathan Isaac

You could make the case that this could appear in the best things about the Magic’s season too, because when Jonathan Isaac went down with a knee injury on New Year’s Day, we all feared the worst. The fact that there was no serious damage done and surgery was not required a huge relief to the front office.

Nevertheless, Isaac was beginning to look like the true face of the team, and his strong defensive showings were also being complemented with an improving offensive game. This was the perfect opportunity for him to be a leader and help to take the Magic as far as he could. It would have been brilliant for his personal growth.

He didn’t get that opportunity, and it was the biggest disappointment of the Magic’s season. It was out of their hands, but injuries popping up at the wrong time have become something the organization has had to get used to. Guys like Vucevic, Gordon, Carter-Williams and Fournier all missed time during periods when they were needed.

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1201534738986614784

Isaac’s missing time also had an impact on the previous point, as they had a defensive rating of 105.2 when he was on the court. The 12.0 points per game were modest, but also were easily a career-high and showed he was trending in the right direction. Shooting 33.0 percent from deep wasn’t exactly lights out either, but again, Isaac was growing more comfortable taking these shots.

Perhaps Isaac can take some of the offensive strain off of Vucevic’s shoulders next season and assume the role of best defender from Gordon. Imagine what they could do to unlock the guys around him. For years, the Magic have had those who would have looked great as second, or most likely third, options on playoff teams.

Once they get Isaac back, then perhaps they can be exactly that. This season was a missed opportunity, but at only 22, Isaac is sure to have plenty more of them. Him starting to figure the game out, only to then have to miss significant time, just like in his rookie season, was a very Magic thing to happen, and it was also easily the worst thing to happen all season.

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