Point guard Markelle Fultz and forward Jonathan Isaac are viewed by the Magic as cornerstone pieces, but the two former lottery picks haven’t seen much action in recent years. Fultz has appeared in just 26 games since the start of the 2020/21 season, while Isaac hasn’t played at all during that time.
There was some optimism this summer that this would finally be the year both Fultz and Isaac are back in the Magic’s lineup, but it seems that won’t happen right away. According to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press (Twitter link), Isaac is still ramping up and isn’t yet ready for group work, while Fultz – who has a fractured toe – will miss all of training camp and doesn’t yet have a timetable for his return.
It has been a long road back for Isaac in particular — he tore his ACL in 2020 and suffered a setback near the end of his recovery process earlier this year, undergoing a minor procedure in March. However, he told reporters on Monday that he’ll definitely be back on the court this season and that he aims to return sooner rather than later (Twitter link via Khobi Price of The Orlando Sentinel).
Here’s more on the Magic:
- Asked on Monday about his decision to re-sign with the Magic this offseason after not receiving a qualifying offer from the team, Mohamed Bamba cited “familiarity” with the franchise as an important factor (video link via Price). “I love the direction that we’re going in as an organization,” Bamba said. “I’m really close with the coaching staff, and that’s across the board. I feel like there’s so much unfinished business here to do.”
- Bol Bol has yet to play in a game for the Magic, having undergone foot surgery in January before being acquired by Orlando in a February trade. But he’s back on a new contract with the club and told reporters on Monday that he’s fully healthy entering the 2022/23 season (Twitter link via Price).
- Isaac’s health and Bol’s potential contributions are among the frontcourt questions facing the Magic this season, Price writes for The Orlando Sentinel. Wendell Carter‘s continued progression at both end of the floor will also be important for Orlando as the team looks to incorporate No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, Price adds.
What about Mo and Franz?
Hope they trade Mo Wagner instead of burying him on the depth chart.
Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac are two very talented injury prone guys. They will both come off the bench as the 6th and 7th man. I don’t see either of them having a long future with them. I like Markelle Fultz but he’s been a major bust.
I never understood why the Philadelphia 76ers took him over Jayson Tatum. I guess because I’m a Duke fan but Jayson Tatum should’ve went number 1.
Celtics had the #1 pick that year and made it look like they were going to pick fultz & fleeced the 76ers by trading down. Tatum was going to be a Celtic regardless.
I heard they were always taking Tatum. That the handshake conditions were that the Sixers would not take Tatum. Which, given that why the heck make the trade to begin with? Celtics take Tatum, Lakers take Ball. No one else was trading up for Fultz, at least no rumors. Coleangelo was a trojan horse.
The magic took a flyer on Fultz and idk why they decided to reup him. His production is vet min level to 5M a year.
Fultz isn’t a bust, far from it, he’s been very solid when healthy for the Magic.
…also this injury isn’t a big deal, he’ll be back a couple weeks into the season if not sooner.