Which injury is Jonathan Isaac making a comeback from? All you need to know

Jonathan Isaac will reportedly make his return to the court on Monday night after missing more than two years due to injury. The Orlando Magic forward has not suited up since the COVID-19 bubble, where he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his second game.

Isaac suffered a setback while rehabbing his injury towards the end of the 2021-2022 season, as he injured his hamstring and needed surgery. Injuries have become a common theme for Isaac, who is now in his sixth season with the Magic organization. He has only suited up in three of those seasons thus far, as he has appeared in less than 30% of the team's games since being selected sixth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

It remains to be seen how Isaac will factor into Orlando's plans. Despite the ACL and meniscus tear suffered in the bubble, the front office awarded him with a four-year, $70 million contract extension in December 2020. Now in the second year of that deal, the coaching staff and much of the roster have changed since Isaac last suited up, meaning that he will likely have to earn playing time despite being the highest paid player on the roster.

How has Jonathan Isaac performed in his brief playing career?

Despite being in his sixth season in the league, Jonathan Isaac has played in 136 games, as he has only played more than 35 games once in his career. Isaac has career averages of 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field, 33.0% from 3-point range, and 79.7% from the free-throw line.

Isaac appeared to be turning the corner in his third season as he looked like a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate before having his career derailed by injury. In 34 games played during the 2019-2020 season, Isaac averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, all career-highs. Furthermore, he shot a career-high 47.0% from the field, 34.0% from 3-point range, and 77.9% from the free-throw line.

It is unclear if he will be able to return to that level of play, particularly on the defensive end. However, as the injuries combined with all of the time away from the game may have taken away some of his mobility and lateral quickness. Furthermore, Jonathan Isaac will have to earn the trust of the new coaching staff and roster. Only one of Orlando's nine players that receive the most minutes were on the roster when Isaac last played.

Watch highlights of Jonathan Isaac from the 2019-2020 season below: