Ever since he was drafted in 2017, Jonathan Isaac has always been plagued by injuries, ruining any chance to show his full potential on the court. Surprisingly, the Orlando Magic seemed to believe otherwise by extending his contract during the offseason this year.
Isaac was selected sixth overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2017 NBA Draft after a successful one-year college career at Florida State University. As a freshman, he was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team after averaging 12.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Since joining the Magic, Isaac has established himself as a versatile two-way player. In his rookie season, he appeared in 27 games, averaging 5.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. The following year, he took on an increased role, starting 75 games and posting career-highs of 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions have made him a valuable asset for the Magic.
Unfortunately, Isaac has dealt with various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2020-21 season. He returned to action in the 2021-22 season but has continued to work his way back to full strength.
Despite the setbacks, the Magic remain committed to developing Isaac as a core part of their long-term plans with forward Paolo Banchero right at the center. At just 26 years old, Isaac has shown flashes of his immense potential and is poised to play a key role for the Magic in the coming seasons if he can stay healthy.
Orlando Magic Locks Jonathan Isaac Down to a Five-Year Contract Extension
Before the offseason started, many fans were wondering whether Orlando will move Isaac, given his extensive injury history. To the surprise of many, the Magic extended the forward via five-year contract extension, as detailed in a tweet by NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski on X.
Orlando Magic F Jonathan Isaac has agreed on a five-year, $84 million contract renegotiation and extension, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/4skp5qS2sp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
Last season, Isaac played a total of 58 games, mostly as part of the reserve unit. During that stretch, he averaged 6.8 points on 51 percent shooting from the field, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Moreover, the six-year veteran posted a 2.4 defensive box score, which meant he played particularly well on that end of the court.
Hopefully, Isaac can remain healthy for the duration of his new contract with the Magic. If he does, expect Orlando to be a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
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