Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft

Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 8. Jalen Suggs, Magic

Orlando will end up with the same picks at No. 5 and No. 8, just reversed. Injuries and inconsistency plagued Jalen Suggs’ rookie season, but there’s still reason to invest in the Gonzaga product’s upside. The Magic have too many guards, but Suggs is probably the best prospect of the bunch still due to his two-way potential and basketball I.Q.

Suggs is still an elite athlete in the mold of a combo-guard. He’s well positioned next to either Markelle Fultz or Cole Anthony long term, assuming the 3-point shot comes along and he gets more comfortable handling the ball in traffic. Suggs’ transition playmaking, explosive leaping ability, and dogged competitiveness on the defensive end shined through despite his many offensive struggles.

There’s a reason Suggs was universally billed as a top-5 prospect on draft night. He didn’t get to showcase his full talent in year one. With another offseason under his belt, some valuable experience to fall back on, and more time removed from injury, we should see a much more consistent and productive version of Suggs in his sophomore season.