Magic's Jalen Suggs Has 'All The Talent,' Says NBA Exec
ORLANDO - If the Orlando Magic is going to continue its upward trajectory, it'll need its young players to live up to expectations.
A player who has shown potential but hasn't quite lived up to the billing as a former No. 5 pick is Orlando guard Jalen Suggs. The 22-year-old guard's ability to stay on the court has played a key role in the question marks surrounding him. Suggs played in 53 games last season and 48 games in the 2022 season.
Even with the health concerns, an anonymous exec is still excited about Suggs' ability.
“Still excited about everything Jalen Suggs can be," an anonymous executive told Spotrac's Keith Smith. "He’s got all the talent, just has to stay healthy long enough to put it all together for more than a four- or five-game stretch.”
Suggs scored over 20 points in six games for Orlando in 2023. Out of those games, four came in his first 11 appearances before an ankle injury forced him to miss 19 games.
He averaged 9.9 points along with three rebounds, 2.9 assists and defensively, Suggs had just over a steal per game. He started in 19 of Orlando's 53 games and played 23.5 minutes per game.
In 2022, Suggs started in 45 of 48 games for the Magic and averaged 11.8 points, 4.4 assists and 3.6 assists per game. As a rookie, he played 27.2 minutes per game.
Suggs' minutes will be worth monitoring with his ability to stay healthy. The additions of rookie guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard may also play a factor in how much playing time Suggs gets.
There's no questioning Suggs' ability. When healthy, the former No. 5 pick can impact the game on both sides of the ball for Orlando.
Orlando's young core showed tremendous growth in the back half of the 2023 season. If they're going to take the next step and vie for a playoff spot next season, it may depend on Suggs' ability to put it together and stay healthy.
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