Jonathan Isaac Bio
Jonathan Judah Isaac (born October 3, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for one season for the Florida State Seminoles. Isaac was selected with the sixth overall pick by the Magic in the 2017 NBA draft.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Isaac was born in The Bronx, New York. He is one of six children born to Jackie Allen. Isaac has one older sister, two older brothers, and two younger brothers. He is of Puerto Rican descent due to his maternal grandfather, which makes him eligible to play for the Puerto Rican national team. Isaac attended Barron G. Collier High School in Naples, Florida, during his freshman and sophomore years. In his junior and senior years, he transferred to the International School of Broward in Hollywood, Florida. To be reclassified as part of the high school class of 2016, Isaac also attended IMG Academy for a postgraduate year in 2016. As a senior, he averaged 17.6 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, leading IMG Academy to a 21–10 overall record.
Path to Basketball
Isaac was recognized as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 12 overall recruit and No. 4 small forward in the 2016 high school class. He was selected to play in the 2016 Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit All-Star games. After high school, Isaac committed to Florida State University, where he played for one season. He was a preseason watch for the Karl Malone Award and earned the ACC Freshman of the Week award for his performances early in the season. Isaac announced his intention to enter the 2017 NBA draft after his freshman season, becoming the second player in Florida State’s basketball history to leave as a one-and-done prospect.
Jonathan Isaac Career
Early Career (2017)
Jonathan Isaac was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He made his debut in the NBA on October 18, 2017. In his rookie season, he faced challenges with injuries but showed promise as a versatile forward. He was assigned to the Lakeland Magic of the NBA G League for rehabilitation purposes during his early career.
Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Isaac became a starter for the Orlando Magic in his second year, playing in 64 games and posting career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game. He recorded a career-high 20 points in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 12, 2019. However, his career faced setbacks due to injuries, including a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season. Despite these challenges, Isaac’s determination and skill have kept him a key player for the Magic.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jonathan Isaac’s signature work includes his performance in the NBA, where he has established himself as a strong defensive player and a versatile forward. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman team in 2017, highlighting his impact during his college career.
Jonathan Isaac Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jonathan Isaac has received recognition for his performances, including being named to the ACC All-Freshman team in 2017.
Jonathan Isaac Awards Won
Jonathan Isaac has not yet won any major awards in his professional basketball career, but he has been recognized for his contributions on the court, particularly during his college career.
Jonathan Isaac Family
Jonathan Isaac is married to Takita Nicole Thomas, whom he wed on September 18, 2021. He is one of six children, and his family background has played a significant role in shaping his character and values.
Personal Life
Isaac has been open about his Christian faith, which he credits for helping him navigate challenges in his life, including anxiety he developed during middle school. He has also spoken publicly about his beliefs regarding social issues, including his decision to stand during the national anthem during a game in July 2020. Additionally, Isaac published a book titled “Why I Stand” on May 17, 2022, where he shares how his faith has influenced his life and career.
