Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs 'One of The Most Unique Defenders', Says Jamahl Mosley

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley commended Jalen Suggs' ability to play defense.

ORLANDO - Among the Orlando Magic's young core are players who have the ability to specialize in one thing. 

For Jalen Suggs, his ability to defend is game-changing for the Magic. With his defensive prowess, Jamahl Mosley had high praise for the third-year guard.

"Jalen is probably one of the most unique defenders I've been around," Mosley said. "He has such a special gift, his ability to be extremely physical, but at the same time anticipate passes and things that are going to happen. He's a very smart defender because he knows where things are happening. It's just something that a lot of guys don't possess and as he continues to keep that up, it's gonna get better and better."

Jalen Suggs was second on the Orlando Magic in steals per game / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Suggs, who was the No. 5 overall pick out of Gonzaga in 2021, averaged 9.9 points, 2.9 assists and three rebounds per game across 53 games last season. Defensively, he was second in steals, averaging 1.3 per game and only trailed Markelle Fultz, who averaged 1.5 steals per game.

Suggs had five games with multiple blocks, including three where he had three blocks. He also had 18 games with multiple steals, with five being the most he had in a game. Suggs' had five games with four steals, three games with three and nine games with two. 

While there's no questioning Suggs' ability to defend, his ability to stay healthy has been the biggest question mark surrounding him through the first two years of his career. He's only played in 101 out of 164 games and with more depth at guard and Orlando having playoff aspirations, Suggs' health is as important as it has ever been.

If Suggs can stay healthy, he could have a breakout season and emerge as one of the best defensive players in the league. And if he does stay on the court and lives up to expectations, he could play a pivotal role in a playoff push for the Magic.

Orlando kicks off its season on Wednesday at Amway Center when it faces the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m.