'Back in Love!' Orlando Magic Guard Jalen Suggs Reveal: 'My Summer of Growth'
After the Orlando Magic selected Jalen Suggs with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he hasn't lived up to the pick quite yet. Suggs had a decent rookie year averaging 11.8 points and 4.4 assists per game, but his percentages left a bit to be desired.
Suggs shot 21 percent from three and 36 percent from three in his first year in the league. In his second year, even though his averages went down, Suggs was able to bump his percentages up.
This season, Suggs looks to continue improving his game after what he calls a 'summer of growth'. Instead of focusing on improving his game on the court this offseason, Suggs focused on his mental health. He talked about this further at the Magic's media day.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs drives past New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
"My temperance, my self-discipline, my mental, my spirit, my soul, that was the biggest thing for me this summer," Suggs said. "I got to take a couple of weeks after the season and just be with family and friends and be around people that matter to me and who I didn’t get to see that much. Then, I really just started to deep dive into bettering myself."
We have seen in the past how important mental health is in the world of sports with Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan being big advocates for mental health awareness in the NBA.
"The difference that it’s made in my perspective, my outlook and how I approach each day has been massive," Suggs said. "It’s helped me fall back in love with this sport again and the work of it, which has been a beautiful thing. This has been a great summer for me. Physically, mentally, emotionally, (and) spiritually. I’m excited to bring it all together and let it show and get to work with the boys.”
With Suggs rediscovering his love for the game this offseason, he could become a catalyst for the Magic. Suggs is yet another one of the young stars on the Magic that could be destined for a big season.
