Magic's Jonathan Isaac upset about criticism over vax stance

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac upset about 'misrepresentation' following anti-vaccine report

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/26/21

More than 90% of NBA players are vaccinated. However, several high-profile players remain unvaccinated, including Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins and Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac.

In a report by Matt Sullivan in Rolling Stone, Isaac admitted he's unvaccinated and candidly pushed back on vaccinations.

Jonathan Isaac, I believe, is the first NBA player to be *this* loudly anti-Covid vaxx. Says he considered unvaxxed players to be vilified and bullied. Came to his anti-Covid vax stance from watching Trump press conferences and now distrusts Fauci. pic.twitter.com/320j1bPvdK
— Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) September 26, 2021

Isaac is very religious and made that clear in a tweet Sunday morning after receiving criticism following the Rolling Stone report.

Misrepresentation only allows for others to attack straw men, and not reason with the true ideas and heart of their fellow man. It helps no one! True journalism is dying! I believe it is your God given right to decide if taking the vaccine is right for you! Period! More to follow
— Jonathan Isaac (@JJudahIsaac) September 26, 2021

It'll be interesting to see how unvaccinated players adapt to the NBA's new protocols. For example, unvaccinated players will be unable to play in certain cities, such as New York City, due to vaccine mandates for large events.

Isaac is recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the 2020 Orlando bubble and didn't play the 2020-21 season. Being unable to play in certain cities will undoubtedly interrupt his rhythm and could prevent him from taking a significant leap forward this year.

The 23-year-old averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game during the 2019-20 campaign while shooting 47% from the field and 34% from deep. It was the best season of his young career.

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