Isaac On Pace To Garner All-Defensive Honors

 

By: Kenneth Chang

It comes as no surprise to Orlando Magic fans that Jonathan Isaac has quickly become one of the best defensive players in the NBA. After all, he showed flashes of that elite skill during his shortened injury-plagued rookie season of 27 games. But to many other fans and those around the league, Isaac’s ascension to being one of the game’s best defensive players, if not the best this season, has been one that came out of the blue. Through 30 games thus far this season, Isaac is tied for second in the league in blocks per game (2.6), and third in total blocks (72), while also registering 110 stocks (total steals/blocks). The case could be made that he is among the early favorites for defensive player of the year along with players such as Portland’s Hassan Whiteside and L.A. Lakers star Anthony Davis. However, as past history would put it, these awards are based on reputation, accessibility, and team records.

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Jonathan “Judah” Isaac is unique in that he’s a legit 7-footer who can handle the ball fairly well for his size and has developed himself into a respectable three-point shooter primarily from the corners (40.9%). He can also post up and hit the fadeaway jumper over the top of defenders. The fact he’s a career 80.5% free-throw shooter is very encouraging. The skillset is certainly there for J.I. to become a highly productive offensive weapon. With that being said he is still inconsistent on that end of the floor, and much of that can be attributed to the fact that he is a very unselfish player and also head coach Steve Clifford does not call very many plays for him. Let’s make no mistake about it, Isaac probably will never have a season where he averages 20 ppg such as players the likes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo whom he physically compares to. However, his swiss army knife type of tools should allow him to fill up stat sheets on a nightly basis. Already this season, Isaac has come close to delivering a 5x5x5x5x5 game in which he registers at least 5 points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. If he could just have a little bit more ego inside of him, there’s no telling how great of an overall player he could be.

With a 7’1” wingspan combined with exceptional lateral quickness, defensive instincts, and added strength, Isaac possesses everything one needs to become an elite defensive player. In such a short time in the league thus far, he reads the game so well and can anticipate and disrupt teams’ offensive sets. The versatility he brings to the floor will ultimately allow him to guard all five positions. That’s how special he is. Sure, Isaac is not without faults on the defensive end. He still lacks the occasional discipline to stay down on defenders when they pump fake and can get caught lagging chasing players around screens on the perimeter. But ultimately with time, he should have few weaknesses on that end of the floor.

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So how will that translate to recognition across the league? As long as Isaac continues to stay in the top five among blocks leaders through the end of the season, he should gain a spot at the least on the All-Defensive second team. The issue is there are other players who have a longer reputation for being on these defensive teams, and beating out a number of them will be difficult to do. With Orlando’s lack of media coverage, there are not many writers and other media members who watch and/or analyze Magic games. Therefore, what Isaac does defensively may be overlooked or not necessarily show up on a stat sheet. At the end of the day it all comes to wins. A player that helps his team win games and make his team great, primarily on the defensive end, should be recognized for his efforts. Nonetheless, Isaac will be judged on how many games the Magic win this season and where they finish ranked in overall defensive team efficiency. When I look at J.I. play, I see a guy that does everything it takes to win. He has winning intangibles that every team needs to be successful. How bad he wants to be great will ultimately be up to Isaac. If he harnesses that talent along with his great character, the “Minister of Defense” will not only find himself on All-Defensive teams, but also All-Star teams for years to come.

 
Stephen Cameron