There was a time when it was thought Jonathan Isaac might be the Magic’s next big star.
However, he has not stepped on an NBA court since he was in the bubble (Feb. 8, 2020), then he tore his ACL in August of that year (which came on the heels of missing much of that season with an injury to the same knee). Last March he had a setback and another procedure, and at this point he has missed two full seasons plus the start of this one.
Isaac is still working toward recovery and the Magic have assigned him to the Lakeland Magic of the G-League to get in some practice.
In the next step of his injury rehabilitation progression, @JJudahIsaac has been assigned to the @LakelandMagic of the NBA G League for practicing purposes.https://t.co/VvFnnkUhdq
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 6, 2022
Because NBA teams barely practice during the season — the schedule of games nearly every other day plus travel and recovery doesn’t permit more than film sessions and walk-throughs — these kinds of baseball-style minor league rehab assignments are more and more common.
The story from the Magic’s official website notes this will be the first time Isaac will play 5-on-5 with other players during his rehab, which is a significant step forward.
There is no timeline for his return, but the Magic have him under contract this season for $17.4 million and two more fully guaranteed years at the same price. There is no reason for the franchise to walk away, even if some around the league question if his knees will ever let him back on an NBA court again.
The Magic have found their next star in Paolo Banchero and have built a promising young core, something Isaac — an elite defender before his injuries — should fit in well with. If he can get healthy and back on the court.
