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Orlando Magic: 3 worrying NBA stats for this young group

By Luke Duffy

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a shot between two defenders during the game at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 22: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a shot between two defenders during the game at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic; NBA Stats
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 24, 2020 in New York City. The Magic defeated the Nets 115-113. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Worrying NBA stats regarding the young group on the Orlando Magic: 1. Injuries (2)

Did we cheat a little bit here? A number of injuries is technically a statistic, but we’re definitely bending the rules with this one. The Magic also have more than two injuries on their roster as well (Michael Carter-Williams could certainly solve some defensive issues if fit), but in truth, there are only two that count.

They are, of course, Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac. Both players suffered ACL injuries, and both have been out of action for a long time. What is even more strange is the lack of official updates on how they are doing. You don’t even need to be a fan of the Golden State Warriors to know that Klay Thompson is back on a court, getting up shots.

We’re not asking for day-by-day coverage on these two, but a little something would be nice. As already covered here, the case of Isaac is getting straight bizarre at this point. He has been out of action for a whopping 15 months and counting, and it doesn’t seem like he’ll be back on the court before December hits, either.

What is taking so long? Did he suffer a setback in his rehabilitation? If so, why not tell us? Other than Zion Williamson announcing he had a stress fracture in his foot during a media day, of all places, this ranks as the strangest injury currently in the league.

What makes it worse, and we don’t have to go into it again, is Isaac’s stance on vaccines and how that may figure into all of this as well.

Andrew Wiggins relented and got one before the season, and by all accounts, it is no fun being an unvaccinated player in the league currently with all the rules in place. Could it be that the injury is now being used as a front while Isaac sits out? Either way, the longer there is silence, the more unrest grows among the fanbase.

The case of Fultz is more straightforward, but also annoying. At this point, he has been out for 11 months, which at this rate is still long for an ACL tear. We’re mostly in the dark about where he is at in his comeback.

Until both of these situations are more clear, the Orlando Magic won’t know what direction to go with their backcourt rotation, or if Isaac is worth building around after all. It might not be an on-court statistic, but right now, it is the most important one for this franchise.

Next. 4 key Magic players off to a hot start this season. dark

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