Orlando Magic 2021 NBA Draft Preview: Jalen Suggs offers versatility

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 20: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs handles the ball against Kyonze Chavis #55 of the Norfolk State Spartans in the first half in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic Draft Profile: Jalen Suggs

Offensive Playmaking

Jalen Suggs can play at both guard positions, but his pure point guard skills make him a true fit for the position. He averaged 4.5 assists per game in 29 minutes per game, which is fairly respectable given the number of high-usage players on the Gonzaga roster.

Suggs was particularly lethal in transition but mainly as a facilitator pushing the ball up to Corey Kispert, Joel Ayayi and Drew Timme.

Early in the season it became apparent the Bulldogs were going to use transition opportunities as fuel for their offense, and Suggs seemed a natural fit as the propulsion for their “up-and-down” style:

But transition possessions were only one facet of Suggs’ playmaking impact. He also developed into a strong passer in the pick-and-roll.

Suggs has great anticipation and is often prepared for the defensive reaction — he is two passes ahead in his mind before he even releases the ball.

Against Kansas, Suggs uses his body and eyes to fake a pass to the roll man Timme. He makes the Jayhawks’ K.J. Adams Jr. (#24) make the decision for him, waiting to see if he slides into the paint as the “help” man, or if he stays close to Ayiyi in the corner.

Once Adams commits to Timme, Suggs changes direction and skips the ball to Ayiyi’s shooting pocket for a knock-down opportunity.

Jalen Suggs’ control in the pick-and-roll makes him a prime fit with Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac, the Magic’s two primary options as screen setters in the halfcourt. Adding a third young guard who is comfortable in pick-and-roll, a staple of the modern NBA offensive playbook, could portend a bright future in Orlando.