It hasn’t exactly been the smoothest of rookie campaigns for Jalen Suggs.
Coming in as the fifth overall pick and the higher of the Magic’s two 2021 lottery selections, expectations were suitably high. And while it wouldn’t be accurate to stamp his season a disappointment, it is fair to say that he’s frequently left the pinstriped fanbase wanting more. When an injury in late November temporarily halted play for the youngster, it appeared that his rookie report card would likely remain frustratingly incomplete.
His return less than six weeks later, however, almost immediately shifted those perceptions.
A string of strong performances reignited hope, particularly when considered alongside the early and unexpected emergence of Franz Wagner as an impact rookie.