The Orlando Magic selected guard Jalen Suggs from Gonzaga University with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Suggs was named a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals in 30 games. He helped lead the Zags to the national title game after draining the game-winning shot over UCLA in the Final Four.
The selection of Suggs was rather surprising since many had him going to the Toronto Raptors with the fourth pick. Suggs will instead head to Orlando and join an organization in the beginning stages of a rebuild after trading several of its veteran players last season.
let's do this @jalensuggs‼️#MagicDraft x @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/0IaaJiuokz
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 30, 2021
Suggs has been highly touted as a potential franchise-changing type of prospect given his skillset as a point guard and ability to lead his team. He is also regarded as one of the most competitive players in the draft class, one that could help the Magic reach the next level.
The 6-foot-4 standout this week warned teams that they will regret passing on him. He cited his ability on the court and success at every level to this point as reasons why he should be taken high in the draft. He also said he won’t forget those teams that skipped over him.
Certainly, the Magic heeded his warning earlier this week.
Suggs believes there isn’t one weakness in his game that teams can pick apart and is eager to prove those wrong that passed on him. His addition to the Magic that, while a bit surprising, should prove to be one that is talked about for years to come.
Suggs is confident in his abilities and firmly believes as though he will emerge as one of the best players from this class. Certainly, the Magic are willing to bet on him.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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