Magic big man Jonathan Isaac has yet to play this season and he’s not close to returning, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports. Isaac is still rehabbing a left knee injury he suffered in March.

“It’s the same thing,” Isaac said. “It was a sprain and a bruise. And I’ve had a little bit of nerve issue on the left side of my knee. So dealing with that, it’s been a slow process unfortunately, but it’s been steady. So, I’m happy that I know I’ll play this season.”

Isaac re-signed with the Magic on a veteran’s minimum contract this summer after they waived him. He was already guaranteed $8MM on his $14.5MM contract before he was waived. He appeared in 52 games last season.

Isaac is optimistic that he’s making progress toward a return to action.

“I’m taking a big step forward. I played 3-on-3,” he said. “My knee needs to calm down over the next couple days and then take the next big step playing 4-on-4. So, it’s just kind of like taking a couple steps forward, a little step back, couple steps forward, a little step back until my knee has adjusted to real contact, 100% speed and everything.”

Here’s more from the Southeast Division:

• Nikola Jovic, who was benched in the Heat’s last game, says he’s getting used to an undetermined role. Jovic’s four-year, $64.2MM extension began this season. “I’ve been going through similar stuff before. So, I can’t say I kind of didn’t expect it,” Jovic said, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “But yeah, the more you’re used to that stuff, the easier it gets. I’m just ready for whatever is next.” Coach Erik Spoelstra admits he’s still searching for the right moments to play Jovic. “I’m still trying to find that spot for Niko,” he said. “So this is different than last year because he’s been giving us good minutes.”
• Forward Kevin Knox, who was waived by the Magic during training camp, is not listed on the G League Osceala Magic roster, Beede tweets. Knox was in negotiations with a Spanish team earlier this month. Knox spent all of last season in the G League with the Windy City Bulls.
• Brandon Miller signed a five-year, $208.8MM extension with the Hornets this month. Miller is now looked upon as the team’s leader, Rod Boone writes in a Sporting News article. “They’re like, ‘You are that guy, we believe in you,’” Hornets coach Charles Lee said of how teammates view Miller. “‘So when we put the ball in your hand, go make a play. For yourself, for your teammates.’ Not only is Brandon prepared for it, but his teammates want to see him in those moments and they encourage him in those moments, which is really helping as well.”