Why Orlando Magic SG Jalen Suggs Prides Himself on Defense

Jalen Suggs takes a lot of pride in his defense, and he believes that he could have a spot on one of the NBA All-Defensive teams as a result of his hard work.

Defense is what a lot of players take pride in in today's NBA.  It has become somewhat of a lost art, as a lot of NBA teams would rather have half the defense but double the offense. This results in every game being faster, and more and more points being scored every season.

Just 11 seasons ago, the average points scored in an NBA game was below one hundred, sitting at 98.1 points per game. But ever since then, that number has been skyrocketing to where it finished last season at 114.7 as the league average.

With that being said, this makes players that are good at defense all the more valuable, and the Orlando Magic could have a player who believes he has the chance to be on one of the NBA's All-Defensive teams. Jalen Suggs knows that he could have a massive impact on the defensive end.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs wrestles for a loose ball with forward Dillon Brooks / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

"I think everybody knows the pride that I take in my defense and that I'm willing to do anything to help our team that night for a win," Suggs said. "A lot of times on that defensive end, you know, it's not something that a lot of people choose to do anymore."

As far as the NBA All-Defensive teams go, Suggs has pretty steep competition at the guard spot. Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart and Boston Celtics All-Star Jrue Holiday have been consistently two of the best defenders at either of the guard positions in the NBA. Suggs will have to be near if not on their level this season if he wants to back his claim.  

Suggs will be able to show his defensive prowess for the first time this season as he and the rest of the Magic begin its preseason schedule on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.