Magic’s Jonathan Isaac Progresses to 5-on-5 Work at Practice

November 8, 2022

It’s been a long road back from a torn ACL for Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, one of the team’s greatest reasons for hope.

But it appears that, finally, Isaac is nearing a return.

As relayed by Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel, Isaac has been taking part in 5-on-5 drills at practice.

“I’ve been playing the last few weeks and just getting in shape,” Isaac said, via Price. “I’m still getting there. But in terms of body, knees and hamstrings, everything is great. I’m just not in game shape.”

Isaac, 25, is 6-foot-10 and last played in an actual game in the 2020 Disney bubble, where he suffered the injury.

It actually wasn’t the ACL that kept him out last season, though. It was a serious hamstring injury suffered while he was working his way back. Now, he’s just about ready again, it seems.

“The only step is continuing to get in shape,” Isaac said. “We played the other day, and I was gassed. Obviously, I haven’t done it in a long time. Continuing to get in shape and playing 5-on-5 four times a week. Just being able to run up and down and get in shape is what I’m focused on right now.”

The Magic (2-9) have suffered an array of injuries this season, considered the second of a pretty major rebuild. But pairing a healthy Isaac next to No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero should offer even more hope of a brighter future.

In fact, the Magic are already a team loaded with size — from Banchero to Franz Wagner to Wendell Carter Jr. to Bol Bol to Mo Bamba and Moritz Wagner.