Magic PF Paolo Banchero Praises Jonathan Isaac's Defense
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.
Several players contribute to the Magic's defense, but arguably the most dangerous player of the bunch is power forward Jonathan Isaac.
When healthy, Isaac makes the good defensive team look great.
Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t honestly think I’ve ever seen a defender quite like him," Banchero said in an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks. "He’s a guy who when he gets on a playoff scene or on TV a lot of people are gonna realize just how great he is on that end."
Isaac is on pace to appear in his first playoff series since 2019. The Magic last made the postseason in 2020, but Isaac suffered a torn ACL in the bubble just before the playoffs began four years ago.
Since then, Isaac has been clawing back to return to the court. And it's no surprise that the Magic are enjoying their best season in years now that Isaac has played more frequently.
Isaac has played in 43 games so far this season, and he will soon pass his total from the last four seasons combined in the next week or so. Isaac played in 45 games from 2019-23.
The Magic has been incredibly patient with Isaac, likely more than most, but they kept him all this time for what he could mean in a playoff run, and Orlando may finally benefit from their persistence here very soon.
Isaac and the Magic return to action Sunday when the Indiana Pacers come to the Kia Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
