Desmond Bane says this Magic player is already a favorite teammate

Desmond Bane didn't hold back in his praise for his new Magic teammate, Jonathan Isaac, after Orlando squeaked out the 1pt victory over the Nuggets, 127-126.

During a vital comeback stretch to open the second half against Denver, Bane tossed up an alley lob in pick-and-roll as his roll-man Jonathan Isaac rose up and threw down the oop.

Isaac's impact was felt immediately in this game, leading the team in +/- (+17) by dominating defensively, forcing Jonas Valuncianas into turnovers and tough shots, while focusing on an adjusted offensive role that features more screen-setting, rim-rolling, and board-crashing than ever before.

I asked Desmond Bane his thoughts on Jonathan Isaac’s impact and rotating role for this Magic team

“Huge. (He’s) My guy, I have little conversations with him before every single game.

That’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever had.

Selfless dude, brings it every single… pic.twitter.com/PlAFGgrmty
— Ryan Kaminski NBA (@beyondtheRK) December 28, 2025

Desmond Bane flips the switch at halftime

Bane drives — Dec 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) brings the ball up court against Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

After a first half that saw Bane passing the ball more than driving with it, Desmond jumped out in the second half with a 180-degree mindset, completely flipping the switch from passive to aggressive.

After scoring 5 points on 4 shot attempts with 1 assist in the first half, Bane finished with 24 PTS on 13 shot attempts and 10 free throw attempts with 6 assists after making the switch in mindset.

In the postgame presser, I asked Desmond Bane what the message and adjustments were at halftime that led to him driving more downhill in the second half:

I knew in order for us to win the game that I was going to have to get involved in some shape or fashion.

A lot of times when teams are blitzing me, sending two at me, I tend to defer, just moving the ball, which there’s nothing wrong with that.

But I knew I had to be aggressive and get myself going.
Desmond Bane

I asked Desmond Bane what the message and adjustments were at halftime that led to him driving more downhill in the second half

“I knew in order for us to win the game that I was going to have to get involved in some shape or fashion.

A lot of times when teams are blitzing me,… pic.twitter.com/4H6ZLUYSCs
— Ryan Kaminski NBA (@beyondtheRK) December 28, 2025

Bane can't say enough positive remarks about Jonathan Isaac

Isaac boxes out — Dec 26, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets center P. J. Hall, Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) and forward Tristan da Silva (23) look for the rebound during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Jonathan Isaac's impact may be going a little unnoticed this season.

J.I. is ranked 5th overall in defensive impact via Dunks and Threes, with a +2.6 defensive EPM that rates in the 99th percentile and is tied with Pistons' defensive anchor, Ausar Thompson.

I asked Desmond Bane his thoughts on Jonathan Isaac’s impact and rotating role for this Magic team:

Huge. My guy, I have little conversations with him before every single game.

That is one of my favorite teammates I have ever had.

Selfless dude, brings it every single night vocally and with his energy and effort.

Super happy for him. Seems like every time he is out there he is making an impact. So, I am glad he is with us.
Desmond Bane

How Jonathan Isaac envisions his @OrlandoMagic role this year and if he has any minutes restrictions going forward:

"I don't think there's any minutes restrictions.

As far as my role... it changes so drastically throughout the year... I'm just going into it with an open mind." pic.twitter.com/clmwT4MKx7
— Ryan Kaminski NBA (@beyondtheRK) September 29, 2025

Isaac's role can change on a dime, but generally he's been almost single-handedly anchoring Orlando's second unit defense for years now.

Offensively, he's accepted more of an off-ball energy movement role that has been huge for Orlando, especially crashing the offensive glass for second chance points.

When I asked J.I. what he expected his role to look like before the season, he knew going in that it could change by the game based on what the team needs:

"As far as my role... it changes so drastically throughout the year... I'm just going into it with an open mind." - Jonathan Isaac