Lowe's 10 Things: So, umm, what exactly is Jalen Suggs?

[eyriq]

I honestly don't see much controversial in this take. The Magic front office will probably admit after a few (many) drinks that they don't quite know exactly how Suggs works on this team long term yet. The key is to continue to push him to work on his limitations when he is healthy, which has not been that much time so far.

The bigger issue (I've illustrated before) is the team doesn't exactly have forever for Suggs to develop at this point. Due to the immense impact of Franz and Paolo, as well as the positive development of Bol and Carter, this team is suddenly ready to compete quicker than expected and can't sit on their hands before upgrading both guard spots (especially if they get a high draft pick or a good trade offer). Suggs may soon find himself with a much better player added to the roster in front of him.

I'll go out on a limb here, and I 100% am simply speculating (so be gentle): I think the Magic are seeing the 2021 draft as a success in getting a quality starter in Franz and a backup in Suggs. I think they are content to add a PG or SG at will without either spot in any way reserved for Suggs, and will only give him the rest of the year to prove that plan otherwise before looking for an upgrade.

Great take. I suspect you are right, things are moving fast right now

[RookieStar]

Im actually happy with everything. If we didn't get Suggs, I don't think we would have gotten Franz.

If those2 did not happen, I don't think we would have gotten Paolo.

But yeah, Suggs needs to get healthy first before we judge him. He hasn't even finished his 2nd season yet.

[Ducklett]

Do people forget as a rookie he was a top 3 guard on defense and the only guard to best him in every metric was the reigning DPOTY Marcus Smart?

I believe statmuse and OPP had whole write ups about it in the off season.

[Skin]

For a guy that WE ALL LOVED on draft day, he has not become what we hoped. He fooled me because I thought he could shoot. What I've learned since is that he's a guy that passes, but is not a playmaker. A guy that can run the break, but is not a good ball handler. Very linear player. Undersized, often injured. His defense is his only saving grace. Marcus Smart isn't useful unless his 3 pointer is falling.

[thelead]

Contrary to the opinion of many, he has shown enough progress this year for me to not be too worried about him. I still see him as someone with Jrue Holiday potential. He is no where near as reckless as he was even at the beginning of the season and is learning how to pick his spots and move the ball. His stardom really comes down to how he progresses as a catch-and-shoot weapon. That won't ever be his best skill but if he can just be respectable there, the rest of his game will flourish.

[JTG_92940618]

Yeah, I feel as though Suggs would be doing fine if he had a clear run at it. I think people, including Lowe, underestimate how long it takes to get back to peak form after injury.

This is how Suggs' season has gone.

- Play 2
- Miss 5
- Play 11
- Miss 19
- Play 10

That's no way to establish good form but it won't be this way forever. The good news is that we're not having to rush him back or force feed him minutes.

[anothermagicfan]

I don't exactly know what suggs the player is to the magic. I see him as a very talented defender. That will be enough for him to have a long NBA career as long as his health allows. His shot is not broken. It's actually a beautiful shot when it falls. This kid just needs to relax and stay poised on the offensive end of the floor and he will easily be able to become a crucial guard for us long term

[T-Cat]

For a franchise that's constantly laughed at because of it's losing ways for 10 plus season we as fans should see players with a more serious attitude in games, when I saw Suggs laughing with Mo Bamba on the bench against the Indiana Pacers the other night I was convinced he's just here for a paycheck!

Mentality, he's still young and IMO doesn't have that "IT" factor!

From a true Orlando Magic fan perspective, this isn't a good look for him! Always injured, hardly being effective in the rotation.

Maybe it's just me, but I always compare young players to Kobe Bryant coming in the league and to me Jalen Suggs should take this serious like Kobe.

Anyone ever notice when Jalen Suggs hits a three or plays amazing defense, he likes to taunt the crowd or pose like he's that guy lol?
Like dude, get back on defense and more importantly you haven't done anything really by NBA standards.

If he was coached by SVG, he would quickly be yanked for his immaturity.

Personally, I like Bol Bol's attitude in Orlando more than Suggs.

At best, Suggs might turn it around once he's traded and have success like Chauncey Billups if he works hard!

[I Rasharted]

Spoiler:

[Howard Mass]

I think it is way too soon to give up on Jalen Suggs.

He just needs more playing time to get his offense in gear. The guy has shown good flashes and once he finds his groove, everything will be fine.

Plus, he has two years left on his rookie deal after this one.

This summer will be about determining how all the pieces fit in the backcourt with an already solid frontcourt.

My feeling is no matter who is drafted (Likely at least one guard, I favor moving the other first (Assuming Chicago's falls outside protection) for future firsts so The Magic have some at their disposal when they are better.

Some seasons in the backcourt this summer are very likely regardless but I would not move Suggs. It's way to early.

[ORLMagicGirl15]

For a franchise that's constantly laughed at because of it's losing ways for 10 plus season we as fans should see players with a more serious attitude in games, when I saw Suggs laughing with Mo Bamba on the bench against the Indiana Pacers the other night I was convinced he's just here for a paycheck!

Mentality, he's still young and IMO doesn't have that "IT" factor!

From a true Orlando Magic fan perspective, this isn't a good look for him! Always injured, hardly being effective in the rotation.

Maybe it's just me, but I always compare young players to Kobe Bryant coming in the league and to me Jalen Suggs should take this serious like Kobe.

Anyone ever notice when Jalen Suggs hits a three or plays amazing defense, he likes to taunt the crowd or pose like he's that guy lol?
Like dude, get back on defense and more importantly you haven't done anything really by NBA standards.

If he was coached by SVG, he would quickly be yanked for his immaturity.

Personally, I like Bol Bol's attitude in Orlando more than Suggs.

At best, Suggs might turn it around once he's traded and have success like Chauncey Billups if he works hard!

Suggs play hard when he is on the court. We’re supposed to assume that he’s here for a paycheck because of a moment in time when he was laughing with a teammate, even though we have no idea what was said.

No, I’m not giving up on Suggs.

[Skybox]

For a franchise that's constantly laughed at because of it's losing ways for 10 plus season we as fans should see players with a more serious attitude in games, when I saw Suggs laughing with Mo Bamba on the bench against the Indiana Pacers the other night I was convinced he's just here for a paycheck!

Mentality, he's still young and IMO doesn't have that "IT" factor!

From a true Orlando Magic fan perspective, this isn't a good look for him! Always injured, hardly being effective in the rotation.

Maybe it's just me, but I always compare young players to Kobe Bryant coming in the league and to me Jalen Suggs should take this serious like Kobe.

Anyone ever notice when Jalen Suggs hits a three or plays amazing defense, he likes to taunt the crowd or pose like he's that guy lol?
Like dude, get back on defense and more importantly you haven't done anything really by NBA standards.

If he was coached by SVG, he would quickly be yanked for his immaturity.

Personally, I like Bol Bol's attitude in Orlando more than Suggs.

At best, Suggs might turn it around once he's traded and have success like Chauncey Billups if he works hard!

Suggs play hard when he is on the court. We’re supposed to assume that he’s here for a paycheck because of a moment in time when he was laughing with a teammate, even though we have no idea what was said.

No, I’m not giving up on Suggs.

Agree...of all of the possible concerns about Suggs(and there are some for sure), his competitive fire is least.

[p0peye]

If we don't think he has skillset to match Franz and Paolo, we should trade him now while he still has value. If we end up with Scoot in June, we trade him or Fultz (even better, both). If we think his skills are a match and we don't draft guard in June, we should roll with him for another year. If he fails again, his value is shot and we don't trade or extend him.

[pepe1991]

Guards aren't judged on what they do on defense. What they do on defense is bonus, but that's not what they are there for.


Marcus Smart breaks mold because he spent his whole damn career playing along side superstars. From prime IT, Kemba, Irving, Gordon Hayward, Horford to now Tatum and Brown. How many allstars he played with at this stage ? Probably near 10.


Whole Suggs / Fultz thing is going nowhere. As all of us assumed. Suggs isn't shooting guard nor will ever be one.
Since 2023 calendar year rolled Jalen Suggs plays 14 mpg 4,4 shots a game and usage rate of 16%


Until Magic solve logjam at guards, we won't know what we have in Suggs. If he continues his Bamba-tragjectory ( zero pratical usage in rotation, plays just to not get DNPCD) than might as well trade him today until you can get some value for him ( unlike whole Bamba fiasco)

[tiderulz]

I think it is way too soon to give up on Jalen Suggs.

He just needs more playing time to get his offense in gear. The guy has shown good flashes and once he finds his groove, everything will be fine.

Plus, he has two years left on his rookie deal after this one.

This summer will be about determining how all the pieces fit in the backcourt with an already solid frontcourt.

My feeling is no matter who is drafted (Likely at least one guard, I favor moving the other first (Assuming Chicago's falls outside protection) for future firsts so The Magic have some at their disposal when they are better.

Some seasons in the backcourt this summer are very likely regardless but I would not move Suggs. It's way to early.

i dont know. unless he is killing it in practices and scrimmage, there really isnt some switch that only happens and develops during a game. Going into this off-season, he has to find the best shot doctor available and go live and train with him all summer to develop a consistent outside shot in my opinion. And secondly, improve his ball handling. both those things do not require playing time to develop.

[tiderulz]

If we don't think he has skillset to match Franz and Paolo, we should trade him now while he still has value. If we end up with Scoot in June, we trade him or Fultz (even better, both). If we think his skills are a match and we don't draft guard in June, we should roll with him for another year. If he fails again, his value is shot and we don't trade or extend him.

problem is, i dont think he has much value with his injuries and putrid offense so far.

[Ralof]

Tbh letting him starting in some games,giving 20-22 minutes to see what he can do should not be out of question.

Fultz-Anthony could work if Cole accepts to play a bit more off-ball,Fultz could take the opposite big guard on defense.

Suggs Is at half of his second year,needs the chance to prove something;i mean,we give chances and playing time to anyone,he Is a #5 pick.

[I Rasharted]

Whole Suggs / Fultz thing is going nowhere.

Accurate.

[zaymon]

Whole Suggs / Fultz thing is going nowhere.

Accurate.

It never made sense. I am fine limiting Suggs minutes and injury risks this year. Guy will be a good player when his skill level improves. It seems he is ok coming from the bench, high energy as always. In perfect world i would trade both Fultz and Anthony. Cole has some value after his recent games, i would be even ok keeping him. Fultz has propably zero value unless some gm didnt watch nba since early 2000.

[Howard Mass]

I think it is way too soon to give up on Jalen Suggs.

He just needs more playing time to get his offense in gear. The guy has shown good flashes and once he finds his groove, everything will be fine.

Plus, he has two years left on his rookie deal after this one.

This summer will be about determining how all the pieces fit in the backcourt with an already solid frontcourt.

My feeling is no matter who is drafted (Likely at least one guard, I favor moving the other first (Assuming Chicago's falls outside protection) for future firsts so The Magic have some at their disposal when they are better.

Some seasons in the backcourt this summer are very likely regardless but I would not move Suggs. It's way to early.

i dont know. unless he is killing it in practices and scrimmage, there really isnt some switch that only happens and develops during a game. Going into this off-season, he has to find the best shot doctor available and go live and train with him all summer to develop a consistent outside shot in my opinion. And secondly, improve his ball handling. both those things do not require playing time to develop.

He definitely needs to improve those things but Suggs has shown what he can do in clutch situations. Right now, he's mostly a defensive guy but even with his shooting struggles at times, as he gets more acclimated, his numbers will go up.