A young NBA player’s career can go south. Nobody likes to see that happen, but it does. Often, injuries are to blame. A serious injury can knock a player’s career off course.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for them to get back on track. Look at Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic. His career has been constantly derailed by injuries.
When healthy, he’s flashed immense potential. Unfortunately, he’s been injured far too often. As a result, it’s been hard for Isaac to find his rhythm.
The same can be said for Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz. He doesn’t have the same track record of getting hurt that Isaac does, but ever since his last injury, he hasn’t quite looked the same.
Should the Magic flip Isaac for him?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac
Orlando Magic Receive: G Collin Sexton
Can a young player return from a string of injuries? Absolutely. It’s simply a difficult path. Let’s look at a young player whose career has been impacted by injuries. We’re talking about Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons’ career got off to an excellent start. For his first few seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons reached an All-NBA level.
With that said, injuries derailed his career. For the last couple of seasons, he looked like he’d lost his spark. This year, it was beginning to look like he’d found his groove – until he got injured again.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic Updates
Has Simmons made a comeback? It’s complicated. In the end, all we can do is wait and see if Simmons can continue his upward trajectory when he returns.
Should the Jazz see if Isaac can get back on track?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
We know what you’re thinking. Yes, the Jazz have a lot of front-court depth. Between Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, and Kelly Olynyk, they’ve got too many players up front – don’t they?
Perhaps. Still, Isaac has a higher ceiling than any of them besides Markkanen. When he’s been healthy, he’s looked like a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Meanwhile, Isaac has a higher ceiling than Sexton, too. As a rebuilding team, Utah could justify taking a flyer on him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic Updates
Yet, the Jazz have motives here that have nothing to do with Isaac. They’re interested in his expiring contract, and getting off of Sexton’s deal.
Should the Magic add Sexton’s money to their books?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Magic also have a lot of frontcourt depth. On the other hand, unlike the Jazz, they’ve got two pieces with remarkably high upside. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both look like stars.
Unless Orlando wants to experiment with Isaac at the 5 on a full-time basis, they don’t have room for him in their starting lineup. On the other hand, they could make room for Sexton.
The Magic need a guard who can create shots in the halfcourt. Fair – but is Sexton the answer? Injury concerns aside, he’s been woefully inconsistent in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic Updates
That’s why the Magic are only parting with Isaac for him. Sure, his upside is tremendous, but he’s likely the most injury prone player in the NBA. We hope he can get his career back on track, but the Magic shouldn’t bet on it.
