NBA: 5 players poised for a breakout season in 2018-19

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Rudy Gay #22 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Dejounte Murray #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during a timeout against the Golden State Warriors In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

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GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have one of the youngest cores in the NBA, but they haven’t made the playoffs since the 2011-12 season. In their quest to, at some point, end that drought, second-year forward Jonathan Isaac will need to progress his game – which is feasible.

Last season, Isaac endured a discouraging rookie campaign. Being limited to just 27 games due to injury, he was unable to get into any sort of rhythm. Averaging just 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 37.9 percent shooting from the field and 34.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc, Isaac immensely struggled to make a profound impact on the Magic in his rookie season.

But the talent and potential to grow exists with Isaac. He’s athletic, capable of getting to and finishing at the rim, and has the intangibles to grow into an elite defender; those traits in his game are why Isaac was held in such high esteem going into the 2017 NBA Draft.

The Magic are one of the more athletic teams in the association which re-signing Aaron Gordon and drafting Mohamed Bamba reiterated. At the same time, if he can stay healthy, Isaac is a vital part of their rotation’s athleticism, and it’s only a matter of time before Orlando begins to turn a corner. Expect Isaac to begin to play up to his potential and showcase why he was a top 10 selection in last year’s draft.

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