Orlando Magic: 3 most important players in 2021-22

Most important Orlando Magic players: 1. Jonathan Isaac

The obvious answer here, Isaac will be coming back from a torn ACL to a roster that looks drastically different than the last time he suited up, which was in the NBA’s bubble. The importance here stems from just how many questions Isaac will have to answer upon his return.

On the face of it, he is the guy here. A player with obvious Defensive Player of the Year potential, and around whom the organization could put a frightening blend of players. Tenacious youngsters at their position like Anthony and Suggs, a big man in Carter Jr. who has shown promise and even Carter-Williams for all of the switching ability he brings.

Both Isaac and Fultz are holdovers from a previous iteration of the group, but they are much more closely aligned with what is going on now. If Isaac returns and looks dominant early on, then it is clear he is the main pillar with which to build around. However, that is not the only question that needs answering.

In his short time in the league, Isaac has been injury-prone. He has played only 136 games since being drafted in 2017 and had only come back from a badly sprained knee for a couple of games before tearing his ACL. Even his rookie year didn’t go smoothly. An ankle issue limiting him to just 27 appearances.

He certainly deserves another shot to prove he is integral to the Magic’s future, but three notable injuries in as many years for a player of his build is a concern. He will also have just turned 24 by the time the regular season starts up again. By no means old, but already a few years ahead of the likes of Suggs, Hampton and Anthony.

The time is certainly this coming year for Isaac to come back and remind everybody how good he can be. He would also accelerate the rebuild taking place here, and in all likelihood inspire Suggs and Hampton to up their own games so as to win more now. It might hurt their draft positioning, but winning never harmed a young group. So much of this year is on Isaac and depends on how he performs once back on the court.