Orlando, FL - JULY 31: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic smiles during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on July 31, 2020 at The HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE

Magic's Isaac: 'I don't think I came back too soon' from knee injury

6 years ago
Garrett Ellwood / NBA / Getty

Jonathan Isaac doesn't have any regrets about the timing of his return from a serious knee injury.

"In retrospect, no, I don't think I came back too soon," the Orlando Magic forward told The Athletic's Josh Robbins. "I really was ready to go. I didn't have any doubts about where I was in terms of moving or playing."

Isaac sustained ligament damage in his left knee on New Year's Day but returned to the court July 31. The 23-year-old appeared in just two games before suffering a torn ACL in the same knee Aug. 2.

Having already been ruled out for the entirety of the 2020-21 season, Isaac is maintaining an optimistic approach as he battles his way back.

"This is just what I have to do for now, but there will come a time when I play again," he said. "I still have hope. I still have a purpose. I still have a job that I go to and take care of business."

Isaac was in the running for an All-Defensive team nod in his third NBA campaign before being sidelined. He averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per game last season.

The former sixth overall pick has only appeared in 136 of a possible 237 regular-season contests since entering the league.

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