Orlando’s decision to re-sign Jonathan Isaac despite plummeting production and injury history sparks criticism, as analysts question prioritizing loyalty over finding a reliable veteran presence.
Orlando entered the offseason as a cash-strapped organization due to its growing payroll, but that didn't prevent the front office from making several moves once free agency opened on July 1. On a recent episode of the Full Court Magic podcast, Don Strouble graded those moves and explained why he felt the way he did about each decision.
While Jonathan Isaac brings veteran experience and familiarity to the locker room, his on-court impact has become increasingly limited. For a team looking to improve its roster after last season and take the next step under new head coach Sean Sweeney, Isaac doesn't provide the type of production the Magic need if they hope to contend deeper into the playoffs.
"The next signing, which I just absolutely do not agree with... is the resigning of Jonathan Isaac to a one-year deal... Isaac was obviously waived on June 27th... because if he remained on the roster into next season at his old number, he would have been due 14.5 million. And that's just not going to work for a guy who averaged 2.6 points per game and shot 18.4 percent from three while only appearing in 52 games. That is just exorbitant... However, the decision to bring him back and fill a roster spot with Jonathan Isaac is just perplexing to me. You know, this is a guy where you know exactly what you're going to get, right? You're going to get inconsistent play and you're going to get inconsistent health... I am just confused here as to why Orlando did not attempt to target another veteran... I gave this one a D-minus."
And so, I am just confused here as to why Orlando did not attempt to target another veteran. I understand that Isaac clearly means a lot to the organization. You know, he's a homegrown guy, I believe he was Weltman's first draft pick when he became president of basketball operations in 2017. And so, I understand, you know, the relationship there, but this is turning into this odd affinity when I believe that there were other 3-and-D big guys out there that the Magic could have locked up on a minimum deal and tried their luck with.
But now, you give a roster spot and obviously much more friendly money, but still money nonetheless to Jonathan Isaac, who just has not been productive whatsoever on the floor. And you know, his numbers just plummeted to career lows in multiple metrics, you know, the ones that I described last season. And it just wasn't, it just doesn't feel like a viable move to me.”
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
