Markelle Fultz & Jonathan Isaac – Orlando Magic

Nobody is expecting much of the Orlando Magic this upcoming year, which is why they could very well end up being a surprise team in the Eastern Conference. They are not a playoff threat right now, as they are currently in the midst of another rebuilding process, but this Magic team has a lot of talented, athletic, young players who can make a difference, two of which are Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac. 

The former No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Markelle Fultz is still looking to prove himself in this league and will have yet another chip on his shoulder, as he is going to be returning from an ACL injury suffered last season.

Jonathan Isaac missed all of last season after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during the Orlando Magic’s seeding games in the 2020 NBA Bubble. 

Both Fultz and Isaac are two young leaders of this Magic squad heading into the new year, but neither is going to be ready for the start of the season. Given both of their injury histories and the fact that Orlando is rebuilding, management is being very cautious with their approach to both player’s returns. 

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President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman and head coach Jamahl Mosley have both liked what they have seen from Fultz and Isaac on the court and neither player has suffered a setback in their respective recoveries, but there is no need for the team to rush them back in any way. 

Around Thanksgiving is probably a realistic return date for these two, if not sooner. The Magic are going to take their time with Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac in their recoveries, but they have been ruled out for the season opener and will continue to work their way back through individual and team workouts.