Jonathan Isaac performed three video games for the Lakeland Magic within the G League, averaging 15.8 factors whereas enjoying 17.7 minutes per sport.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Jonathan Isaac stated there have been instances he puzzled if he would ever play within the NBA once more.
“I’d be mendacity to you if I stated I didn’t (have doubts) with this damage,” the Orlando Magic ahead stated Monday evening. That’s part of getting back from an damage like this, and taking so long as it did.
“I used to be like, ‘I don’t know if I need to preserve going.’ However then once more, God gave me a goal. I used to be made to play basketball … so I used to be going to proceed the method it doesn’t matter what anyone was saying.”
Isaac lastly bought again right into a sport after 2 1/2 years, serving to the Magic beat the Boston Celtics 113-98. The 6-foot-10 energy ahead scored 10 factors, grabbed three rebounds and added a few steals in his restricted time on the ground.
Jonathan Isaac in his return:
10 PTS
3 REB
4-7 FG
2-3 3P
2 STL
10 MIN pic.twitter.com/IsBBpqEl7I— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 24, 2023
“The league could be unforgiving,” Boston interim coach Joe Mazzulla stated. “Guys with accidents undergo ups and downs. For him to battle via for the final two years, and mentally and bodily work at it every day, that’s a win.
“There’s a lot happening within the league on a regular basis. Guys are getting stronger and greater and quicker on a regular basis, and so to have the ability to play at such a degree with such adversity, I believe is spectacular. You’ve got to have the ability to embrace that on this league, as a result of there may be loads of change happening continuously.”
Isaac initially injured his knee on Jan. 1, 2020. He returned seven months later, however tore his left ACL whereas enjoying in his second sport within the NBA bubble at Disney World.
Solely three Magic gamers are nonetheless on the roster who performed with Isaac earlier than his knee accidents. And Monday evening was his first sport beneath coach Jamahl Mosley.
“We’re all excited for him,” Mosley stated. “You discuss in regards to the variety of days that he’s been out, years … his potential to return again and keep the course via the whole course of, together with his religion and work ethic and the help system he has behind him has simply been large.
“For what he’s been via, the up and downs, the ins and outs, and his potential to remain resilient, devoted and proceed to work it doesn’t matter what, you may solely embrace these moments. Benefit from the second.”
Isaac performed about 9 1/2 minutes and Mosley stated the Magic will proceed to play him in brief stints to see how his knee responds and the way he will get acclimated together with his teammates.
“He’s going to assist us tremendously, man, particularly on the defensive facet,” guard Cole Anthony stated. “We want that.”
After being drafted sixth general out of Florida State in 2017, Isaac performed in 134 video games in his first three NBA seasons. He performed in 75 video games in 2018-19, averaging 9.6 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in Orlando’s solely successful season since 2011-12. Earlier than his NBA return Monday evening, he performed 52 minutes in three G League video games with the Lakeland Magic.
Now he’s again after lacking 211 video games.
“It felt improbable,” he stated. “Tonight is barely scratching the floor of what this staff is attempting to be. I actually do imagine the sky is the restrict.”
