When Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic took the court on Thursday, the fifth overall pick had quite an audience on hand to watch him in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Naismith Player of the Year Paige Bueckers and Gatorade National Player of the Year Chet Holmgren were among those in attendance at the Cox Pavilion to watch Suggs and the Magic face the Boston Celtics.
Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith and Gonzaga guard Julian Strawther were also there with Bueckers and Holmgren.
Bueckers grew up with Suggs in Minnesota; the two have known each other since elementary school. They have become very close friends over the years and she even surprised Suggs with a congratulations video on the night of the NBA draft.
Holmgren, who is a potential No. 1 pick next year, announced in April he would play next season at Gonzaga. He became the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Gonzaga and said Suggs played a large role in joining the Bulldogs.
Chet Holmgren, Hailey Van Lith, Julian Strawther & Paige Bueckers at @NBASummerLeague supporting Jalen Suggs! pic.twitter.com/9L3U2OY5RA
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 13, 2021
Unfortunately, Suggs’ friends weren’t treated to the best game. The Celtics defeated the Magic, 108-71. Suggs finished with six points after only playing in the first half as the game got out of hand with the Celtics leading by as many as 44 points.
However, Suggs has had a strong run with the Magic in summer league and has looked every bit of a top-five draft pick. He has dazzled with his scoring, leadership and confidence, something the Magic have long needed. Certainly, the future looks bright for Suggs in Orlando.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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