{"id":727009,"date":"2017-08-16T10:00:32","date_gmt":"2017-08-16T14:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/?p=727009"},"modified":"2017-08-16T10:00:32","modified_gmt":"2017-08-16T14:00:32","slug":"orlandos-magic-potion-is-x-factor-jonathan-isaac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/news\/orlandos-magic-potion-is-x-factor-jonathan-isaac\/","title":{"rendered":"Orlando’s Magic Potion is X-Factor Jonathan Isaac"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the Orlando Magic, the x-factor will be the one player in their current core that may actually have the least immediate impact on this season. Jonathan Isaac will be less directly involved with their 35 odd wins this year than Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton, Nikola Vucevic, or Evan Fournier, but his progress will determine the direction the new management team will take with the franchise.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The selection of Isaac with the sixth pick over the likes of Dennis Smith and Malik Monk was a clear sign of intent by newly-minted GM John Hammond to value versatility over specific talent. For the GM that struck gold with Giannis, Isaac will have the opportunity to validate his managers eye for talent and stamp the dawn of his new tenure.<\/p>\n

On a veteran Florida State team Isaac was not a primary scorer, but displayed enough offensive versatility and positional flexibility to complement his elite defensive potential and leave most scouts’ mouths watering. Isaac immediately stands out due to his physical profile, standing 7-feet tall, with a seemingly 8-foot wingspan (plus the agility of a guard). His jumpshot is smooth and his handle is tight for a forward\/big. Offensively, his assertiveness will need development, but if there was one thing we could conclude from his limited summer league efforts (due to minor injury) is that he can rebound on both the defensive and offensive glass. There were plays where he was literally playing volleyball with the backboard while other rebounders tried in vain to box him out. Defensively, he has the foot speed to stay in front of guards laterally, and the length to disrupt jump-shots and penetration.<\/p>\n