OrlandoDream wrote:Magic_Johnny12 wrote:Since 2014, here are the seasons and players with a 90th percentile in:
Defensive playmaking
Perimeter isolation defense
Rim protection
Defensive rebounding
2019 - Rudy Gobert
2020 - Anthony Davis
2024 - Jonathan Isaac
2025 was a weird year for Isaac, he came into camp out of shape and Orlando experimented with him at center (probably told him to add some weight). Team injuries also didn’t help with role/continuity.
I get everyone wanting to move him to get better, but Isaac is quite literally a year removed from having a generational defensive impact.
Not a good defender, not an elite one but a generational statistically.
It’s not crazy to think with him returning to his natural position, getting in shape (which already looks like he is) that we can expect a similar result. Maybe not generational, but we really don’t need that.
Getting a 20m a night elite defensive specialist back that can solely and directly sway a playoff series is equivalent if not more impactful than any free agent acquisition imo…including Mo.
All of us have seen what Judah can do. Nobody is arguing that. His defensive stats (except last year) are great. Fans are just tired of him being unavailable. He just completed his 8th year and has had one season where he played 70+ games avg 20+ minutes. Were at a point where this team needs consistent rotation pieces to make playoff run. Jonathan Isaac just isn't dependable.
We don’t need Isaac to play starter minutes to justify his impact or role on this team imo.
It’s not a coincidence he played his most minutes/games last year. This is a good sign, it means hes getting healthier, he’s trusting his body more and the plan is working. I fully expect a small uptick in minutes this season, but again I don’t think we need or want him playing starter minutes.
It’s annoying and completely get the frustration, but we’re as an organization fully invested so for better or worse we will see it all the way through and I personally think it’s a worthwhile bet/investment.