With the fifth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected freshmen guard Jalen Suggs out of Gonzaga. Three picks later, the Magic were back on the clock, and took sophomore forward Franz Wagner from Michigan with the eighth pick.
Both players looked happy as they put on their Orlando Magic hat and shook the commissioner’s hand. The Magic organization must be very happy as well to land both of these multifaceted prospects.
Suggs fall to the Magic at No. 5 seems to be a dream come true. The Orlando Magic were reportedly high on Scottie Barnes, who was taken by the Toronto Raptors with the fourth pick, but there is no question that Suggs fits better.
The Orlando Magic picked up a dream pick in guard Jalen Suggs giving the team the star they hoped for. And they bolstered their depth with Franz Wagner later in the draft.
On top of the fit, most scouts had Suggs listed as an excellent prospect that would not be available by the time the Magic went on the clock.
Suggs has the potential to not only be a great player in the NBA, but a great leader as well. His leadership and talent were on full display as he led Gonzaga to an undefeated regular season. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from three.
When the NCAA Tournament began, he seemed to up his game, not only hitting an incredible shot to send his team to the title game, but playing hard play to play.
With the eighth pick, the Magic took Michigan combo forward Franz Wagner. He is best known as a versatile defender, who can also shoot it well.
Even though he plays similarly to a guard on offense, some scouts have rumored he has grown a few inches since last being measured, and because of his defense, there is speculation that he can play time at the center position in the NBA.
These two players the Magic have picked should excite the fan base. Not only did the team get value and potential, but they also got tons of versatility, which is great in today’s NBA.