Orlando Magic Daily
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3 Magic players that earned untouchable status, 2 that could be cut loose

By Luke Duffy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic celebrates his dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Paolo Banchero #5 in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic celebrates his dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves with teammate Paolo Banchero #5 in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Corey Kispert of the Washington Wizards and Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic talk after the game. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Corey Kispert of the Washington Wizards and Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic talk after the game. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) /

3 players to keep, 2 in danger for the Orlando Magic

1. Jalen Suggs

The most surprising inclusion on this list, Jalen Suggs has had a promising sophomore season. His first year in the league underwhelmed and was made worse by Franz Wagner’s amazing start.

Coming from the same draft class, Wagner took to the challenge of helping the Magic improve like a duck to water. Suggs on the other hand struggled for form and consistency after a memorable spell in Gonzaga.

Injuries were the story of that year as a hand injury cut the early part of his season short and then an ankle injury ended it early and cut deep into his summer.

Suggs has played 49 times this season, which is right in line with the 48 from a year ago. Whereas he started 45 games as a rookie and looked lost at times, he has only started 15 times this year.

Suggs looks more comfortable doing this, and has settled into the role of being an above-average defender who is taking nearly four attempts from deep per night.

Which is why he finds himself on this list over a player like Cole Anthony, despite averaging fewer points (9.8) and assists (3.0) than last season (11.8 points and 4.4 assists).

What Jalen Suggs can do for this organization fits better next to Markelle Fultz, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter

At this point, that second guard spot is the only starting position that looks up for grabs, and even if Suggs does not take it, he has the tools moving forward to be of real value to the Magic.

He just fits with what they’re trying to build, and coach Mosley knows he can trust him to clamp down on star guards for minutes at a time. An invaluable, and untouchable, skill to possess.