Jonathan Isaac discussed his faith-driven footwear brand, his recovery from a torn ACL and his role with the Orlando Magic in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, reflecting on how his experiences have shaped his identity as an NBA player.
Isaac, who has spent his NBA career in Orlando, said his JUDAH 1 signature shoe line began as a personal way to express his beliefs but has since developed into a platform for other athletes.
“Originally it was really just for me — being able to wear shoes that were authentically me, that spoke to me and having scripture on them,” Isaac told Robinson. “But now it’s turned into being able to spread that love and have athletes, from younger to older, be able to represent their faith on the court.”
The forward also reflected on the physical and mental challenges of returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Isaac said rebuilding trust in his legs was an important part of the process after he returned to competition.
“I would say it’s still a little bit of both in terms of mental and physical, but I’ve definitely come a long way,” he said. “I was able to play again after the ACL tear, so I got back to the place of being able to trust my legs, move forward and play with freedom.”
Asked when he stopped thinking about the injury and began moving instinctively again, Isaac pointed to practice as the setting where he regained that freedom.
“It’s hard to say a specific moment, but I got back to that in practice where it was just a freedom thing and then I was able to do it on the court,” he said.
Isaac also expressed enthusiasm about continuing his career with the same franchise, describing his return as especially meaningful as he approaches a decade in the NBA.
“I think it’s extremely cool to be back. Ten years is a big milestone for an NBA athlete and then to do it with the same team is pretty dope as well,” Isaac said.
He sees his contribution extending beyond his on-court production, emphasizing defense, energy and mentorship.
“I feel like I fit in just being an energy source — being able to be put into the game, change the game with defense, bring a veteran presence in terms of being here for a while and just being able to pour into guys around me,” he said.
Isaac added that he does not feel the need to force his beliefs on teammates to remain true to himself.
“I don’t try to take myself too seriously and feel like I need to preach to them or portray myself a certain way,” he said. “I’m just myself and the guys know that and respect me for just being myself and realizing that this is what I believe and this is who I am.”
Asked about his earliest memory of Magic basketball, Isaac recalled watching Dwight Howard.
“Just seeing him being bigger than life in an Orlando Magic jersey,” he said.
Isaac re-signed with Orlando on a one-year deal in July after being waived in June. He entered the 2026-27 season working back from a left knee sprain that ended his previous campaign in March.
