That is a definitive statement as Weltman looks into the future of his team. So that has to account into our thinking. We will get to all that stuff around the corner here as we start to really do a deeper dive into where we need to get better and start to discuss moving our team forward. The Magic were rolling, looking refreshed by the layover and excited to have an impact player like Isaac back.
He was still playing limited minutes, but his impact and energy were undeniable. He scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds in 16 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets in the opener in the bubble following a point burst in the final scrimmage against the Denver Nuggets.
Isaac had four points, four rebounds and two steals in what was a come-to-Earth performance against the Kings. The Magic were already well on their way to a blowout when Isaac tried to hop step through the lane and came down with a torn ACL. The Magic lost their next five games in the bubble — more injuries started to pile up in addition to Isaac.
To say that injury is not significant is naive on my part and untruthful to you guys. The team played almost the entire season with two of its rotation-level power forwards out of the lineup. It proved difficult to compete at a high level. But the loss of Isaac goes far beyond the immediate issue at power forward. His development was perhaps the biggest key to the team taking a step forward. Isaac was on track to be on the All-Defensive team and is perhaps the one player on the roster with a clear elite skill.
It is hard to see the team get out of that ringer without him and his development. But the Magic will have to find a way. Just as they found a way without him from Jan. What we have to do is maximize those other 14 spots on our roster. We have these months to figure that out. But there are always ways to get better.
Orlando was 13th in the league in defensive rating, giving up The team was 20th in offensive rating, scoring The Magic still played like a team that was slightly worse than.
And even the little spurt of offense after the All-Star Break was not enough to help the team climb. He was a highly-touted prospect that could use a change of scenery in a deal such as this one. Orlando could be looking to rebuild and squeeze the last ounce of value that Jonathan Isaac has left. A team that sorely needs upgrades defensively like the Sacramento Kings should jump on such an opportunity if it were to present itself.
If Sacramento is interested, they have plenty of assets they would be able to send back. I have nothing but the utmost respect for every health care worker in Orlando and all across the world that have worked tirelessly to keep us safe.
My mom has worked in health care for a very long time. I thank God I live in a society where vaccines are possible and we can protect ourselves and have the means to protect ourselves in the first place.
Sounds good. The problem for Orlando as a franchise is that the question—what to do with Jonathan Isaac—still does not have an easy answer, and that goes beyond Covid He is deeply and vocally religious, which is not a bad thing in itself but has left him largely out of step with his teammates. He is also not the type to go along to get along, and is willing to take the unpopular stance.
Several teammates raised eyebrows in when virtually all NBA players in the Orlando bubble knelt for the national anthem as part of nationwide protests against police violence. Isaac, of course, did not. Because he is unvaccinated, Isaac will have to remain socially distant from teammates this season. He has the talent for that, the game for that—dunks and blocked shots.
It means you have to get leadership from someone else and you might not like that but, you know, as long as he produces on the floor, that is what is important. Orlando Magic rookie Jalen Suggs, part of the team's rebuilding effort.
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