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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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Orlando Magic
Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic holds Jalen Suggs #4 during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

What plans do the Orlando Magic have for Jalen Suggs when Markelle Fultz returns?

Suggs had his best game (a 21 point night against the Raptors in which he shot 50 percent from deep) in an early-season matchup with Barnes. Both players showed respect to one another to shut down any talk of a budding rivalry. It looked like a platform to build on, but since then his performances have been pretty muted.

This was most evident in the surprise win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. Suggs had six points and four turnovers. The Jazz are going to be a top team in the Western Conference again this season, so seeing Jalen Suggs struggle as he did wasn’t all that surprising. In fact, it was arguably more encouraging to see the Magic win despite his struggles.

Another factor in the stumbling start of Suggs has been the explosion of Anthony. This is a good problem for the organization to have, but one which Suggs personally has had to contend with. The consensus before the season began was that Markelle Fultz would come back from injury and assume the role of starting point guard.

Suggs would slot in next to him, but also run the show with the second unit from time to time. He has slotted into the starting lineup this year, as he has started every game so far, averaging over 28 minutes a night. Anthony could then come off the bench and be the sixth man spark that his game and personality seemed tailor-made for.

Instead, Anthony is certainly in Most Improved Player conversations early on and has put the Magic on his back as they attempt to improve. This has taken the ball out of the hands of Suggs more than we all could have anticipated, and while he is still playing lots and being allowed to make mistakes, it is an interesting development for a future conversation.

Perhaps it will be Jalen Suggs who spends some time coming off the bench when Fultz is fully fit again. If that is the case, and if Barnes (the Rookie of the Year frontrunner alongside Evan Mobley at this point) continues to make a difference for the Raptors, how will Suggs respond?

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