Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic front office has consistently preached about chemistry, continuity, and a willingness to keep this young core together. They did just that this offseason by rewarding Jonathan Isaac with a five-year $84 million contract extension.
“I’m so thankful that I’m still here,” Jonathan Isaac on his contract extension this offseason. “I want to be a part of the Magic my entire career if I can.”
Jonathan Isaac has been one of the most battle-tested and resilient athletes in the NBA in recent memory. Since being drafted by the Magic back in 2017, not only is Isaac the longest-tenured player on the roster but he has dealt with an immense amount of injuries throughout the beginning stages of his career.
The Magic have had 564 regular season games over seven years and Isaac has appeared in only 205 of those games, which is a woeful 36.3% of eligible games. Nonetheless, his impact and determination to overcome adversity have always been at the forefront of his work ethic.
“I feel great, I’m happy to be around, and my biggest impact is just being available,” Jonathan Isaac on having a full offseason without rehab. “So to be fully available, to not have any restrictions—I just feel great about being around the team and being able to help.”
Jonathan Isaac when available was an integral part of the success of the Magic’s postseason run after having appeared in the most number of games 58 since the 2018-19 season where he appeared in 75 games. Isaac reflected on what he cherishes the most during Magic Media Day and he stated:
“I think what I cherish most is that I’m still here. To been through what I’ve been through, just the ups and downs of the Magic basketball period. I’ve been through the lows, I’ve been through the highs and to still be here–I’m excited to see where we go from here.”
Last year the Magic experimented a considerable amount playing Jonathan Isaac at the five, and it wasn’t always a seamless fit. Isaac’s ability to switch one through five, be a stretch big, and create mismatches on both ends of the floor provided Orlando with an advantage that we may see more of this season.
“Being able to work on my game, putting some weight on has been great for me,” Jonathan Isaac on the importance of having a healthy summer. “I finished last season at 219 pounds and I’m up to 250 pounds right now.”
Widely viewed and acknowledged as one of the best defenders in the game, Isaac will continue to play an integral role in the success and defensive identity of this Magic team. Last season Jonathan Isaac finished only behind now four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert in individual defensive rating (104.5) with at least 58 games played.
Isaac’s impact goes far beyond what any box score can show you from his ability to switch one through five, his weak side blocks, and the ability to deter players from coming inside the paint. Jonathan Isaac truly is one of the most important players on this Magic team, and he is grateful to be a part of this organization and community for the long haul.
