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5 matchups to put the Orlando Magic on national TV

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jalen Suggs had a strong showing in his Summer League debut and he proved to be everything the Orlando Magic could want. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Jalen Suggs had a strong showing in his Summer League debut and he proved to be everything the Orlando Magic could want. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors surprisingly took Scottie Barnes over Jalen Suggs in the NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

5 Orlando Magic games for national TV

Magic at Raptors

Jalen Suggs reportedly was not thrilled about getting picked fifth — although he was thrilled to join the Orlando Magic. He reportedly has the mindset of making the four teams that passed over him pay for the oversight.

The reality is everyone expected Suggs to go within the top four. So when the Toronto Raptors passed on him to take Scottie Barnes, there was a legitimate shock. And, of course, a legitimate wave of excitement inside the Amway Center and among Magic fans. They are very happy with the result, to say the least.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Like so many other rookies, everyone will be curious about the what-ifs of these things. Every Magic fan was prepared to have Scottie Barnes on the team. Just as many Raptors fans were probably prepared to welcome Suggs to their roster.

These two players probably will not be inextricably linked like the opening week battle between Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks and Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. Those two players traded directly to each other has created a natural comparison — with Young fans taking the upper hand thanks to Atlanta’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

But Suggs and Barnes will at least start off as competitors. Raptors fans especially will be watching Suggs and hoping that he does not shine too brightly to make their selection of Barnes look silly.

Summer League is a place to start. Suggs averaged 15.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game with a 47.6-percent effective field goal percentage in three games. Barnes averaged 15.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game with a 44.1-percent effective field goal percentage in four games.

Let’s call that a draw for now.

Again, Orlando is pretty happy with how things turned out. And Suggs will have plenty to prove when he makes his first trip to Toronto. That is if he indeed wants to make sure the teams that passed on him regret doing so.