Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs knew his struggles on offense would eventually turn around, and the rookie believes that is beginning to happen over his recent stretch.
Suggs has scored in double figures in four of his last five contests with the Magic, including a 17-point performance on Wednesday in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He has served as the primary ballhandler for the Magic with Cole Anthony out and has mostly looked the part.
The fifth overall pick continues to show great control and poise on a nightly basis while also having a great understanding of running an offense. Of course, there are still learning moments and avoidable plays to minimize but Suggs likes how he is playing as of late.
These past four or five games, I felt I’ve kinda turned the corner trying to get adjusted, get my feet wet because it is just a completely different situation. Now I’m comfortable, now I’m confident. Me and Coach Mose just talked about it, my mind kinda switched to let’s get this thing moving. I understand where I’m at. I understand how things work. I’m used to it and I have my confidence here.
Jalen Suggs too smooth 🔥
(via @OrlandoMagic) pic.twitter.com/Sa3dbHx0f1
— FanSided (@FanSided) November 25, 2021
The latest stretch for the Magic has seen Suggs match up with several elite point guards, including Jrue Holiday and Terry Rozier. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley likes the challenge for Suggs to face those players and understand how to react to certain coverages.
Suggs agreed that they can help him improve his own game.
I think they are helping me develop a lot. Not only are they great basketball players, on the offensive end, but all of them are gifted. The ones we’ve had to play so far, I’ve had to lock in and dial in and slow them down on that end.
Defensively, you talk about Jrue Holiday, an elite defensive presence; one of the best in the game. Terry Rozier is a great defender — strong, likes to cause havoc. I think it’s helped that period kinda go a bit quicker of me just trying to get comfortable to be where I’m at now where now it’s like, ‘Alright, let’s rock.’ I’m feeling confident. It’s me against you, my team against your team.
Suggs also owned up to some of his bad turnovers and shot selection, and vowed to correct it moving forward. He is working hard to fix those two areas of his game, especially as such a ball-dominant player with Anthony out.
The Magic knew they would have growing pains this season with such a young roster but the players on the team appear to be fully committed to learning and improving. Suggs is among those willing to improve and that will be key in his development.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=43856,39893,42906]
[mm-video type=video id=01fmk62davz56v7jdzxe playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fmk62davz56v7jdzxe/01fmk62davz56v7jdzxe-97cc6fa6a80cb05e09bda482b8da8206.jpg]
[listicle id=45000]