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Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs was always going to struggle

By Luke Duffy

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

If you are a fan of the Orlando Magic, then this season has gone as expected so far, but with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. The team is losing more than they are winning, but the right young players are improving their game and showing that they can be long-term solutions for the franchise.

What has been more surprising is the early play of rookie Franz Wagner, who has got the bag of a veteran already by the looks of it. Second-year guard Cole Anthony has most certainly made a leap, too. A big one, at that. He may just be the solution to the organization’s search for a cornerstone. Between these two, there has been reason to smile.

However, the Magic’s other rookie, Jalen Suggs, hasn’t quite hit the ground running in the same way, but this was always going to be the case.

Orlando Magic rookie Jalen Suggs was always going to struggle

There are many reasons for this, and the great thing for the Magic is that none of them are a real cause for concern. As the fifth overall pick and a player many expected the Toronto Raptors to take instead of Scottie Barnes, there was a belief that Suggs could come in right away and make a difference. Some promising Summer League showings only reinforced this point.

But instead, Suggs has struggled to lean into these relatively lofty expectations early on. He came to Orlando pegged as somebody who would quickly become a dynamic scorer and also provide tenacity on the defensive end. So far, we’ve seen moments of this, but consistency has been the problem.

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