Orlando Magic 2021 NBA Draft Preview: Jalen Suggs offers versatility

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 03: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs waves as he walks off the court after defeating the UCLA Bruins 93-90 in overtime during the 2021 NCAA Final Four semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic Draft Profile: Jalen Suggs

Overall Evaluation

Without a trade to move up in the draft, Jalen Suggs likely will not be available for the Orlando Magic with the fifth pick. However, given his pure talent and versatile offensive game, it will be worth the effort for Jeff Weltman and his staff to investigate a possible course to secure Jalen Suggs.

Even with Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony already manning the teams’ point guard minutes, there’s a real benefit to adding Jalen Suggs to this Magic team. His versatility, especially his ability to create as a secondary ballhandler, doesn’t pigeonhole him into solely playing at point guard.

With a new rebuild, the Magic will need players who can contribute in multiple facets on both ends of the floor, and Suggs projects to be the archetypal mold for this kind of player.

That is not to say Markelle Fultz will be better than Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga. All three players would also be great additions to this Magic team.

But based upon his one year of NCAA play, I believe Suggs’ game projects to be better suited to fit into a system with two proven point guards — he offers Jamahl Mosley and the Magic the flexibility to play whichever style will best give this Orlando team a chance to win.

Next. Jalen Johnson brings offensive potential. dark

That flexibility is what makes Suggs so valuable, and a clean fit with the Magic. If Orlando is committed to building a young and flexible roster for the future, they should focus their efforts on a plan to draft Jalen Suggs.