Jonathan Isaac making Magic return after two-year injury absence

Jonathan Isaac making Magic return after two-year injury absence

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who has not played in an NBA game since Aug. 2, 2020, is expected to return on Monday, his pastor revealed in a video clip.

Yes, his pastor.

It was later confirmed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

“He’ll be returning to the court tomorrow completely healed,” the pastor offered of Isaac.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Isaac had been sent to the Magic’s G League affiliate in Lakeland, Fla., earlier this month. There, the 2017 No. 6 overall pick suited up for three contests, averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in just 17.7 minutes per contest, according to the league’s official site.

Before tearing his ACL in the bubble before the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, the now 25-year-old Isaac was developing into a standout and versatile defensive presence for a young Magic team.

In that 2019-20 season, Isaac enjoyed his best season to date, averaging 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per contest through 28.8 minutes per game in 34 appearances, 32 of which were starts.

Isaac made headlines during the 2020 bubble when he chose not to kneel during the national anthem or wear a “Black Lives Matter” shirt.

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 1, 2020.Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 1, 2020.Getty ImagesIsaac is perhaps most known for standing during the National Anthem in the 2020 bubble as his Magic teammates knelt during a nationwide time of civil unrest.Isaac is perhaps most known for standing during the National Anthem in the 2020 bubble as his Magic teammates knelt at a nationwide time of social unrest.Getty Images

The 6-foot-10 Isaac hadn’t played in either of the last two seasons and is currently in the second year of a four-year, $80 million deal signed four months after the Florida State alum tore his ACL. Because he missed the last two seasons entirely while rehabbing the injury, Isaac’s deal includes a partial guarantee for next season, and the final year of the deal — 2024-25 — is non-guaranteed.

The Magic are 17-29 and 13th in the Eastern Conference. They will host the Boston Celtics, who are 35-12 with the league’s best record, on Monday evening.