Orlando Magic rookie Jalen Suggs studied film on Damian Lillard quite a bit over the years, but the fifth overall pick had the opportunity to watch him up close when the two recently linked up for a workout.
The meeting took shape after Suggs told Magic assistant coaches Nate Tibbetts and Dale Osbourne that he couldn’t wait to play Lillard this season. The two coaches formed a strong connection with Lillard after several seasons in Portland, and were perfect to set it up.
They eventually got Suggs into the gym with Lillard, something he was very excited about. He even revealed on the “Road Trippin'” podcast with Allie Clifton, Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson that he was a bit nervous for the workout when he landed in Portland.
I woke up and was getting ready to go to the gym, I had just gotten picked up. I’m like jittering in the car and couldn’t sit still. We pull up and he was just one of the most normal, laid-back people. We went to go work out but we didn’t do anything physical. I think I shot for about five minutes and (heard) him talking about some of the stuff that he does.
We literally sat and talked and walked through things with Coach for like an hour and a half. I just sat there and listened, asked questions. We worked out the next day. He is crazy. He makes everything look so effortless. He is doing five, six combos, a step-back with just the smoothest (shot).
Suggs prepared for his stint in the Las Vegas Summer League by watching several players, including Lillard. He focused on the way Lillard can control the pace of games while also looking at how he picks his spots and when he gets his teammates involved.
The trip to Portland gave Suggs the opportunity to ask a proven All-Star plenty of questions. Lillard also gave Suggs some advice on how to handle the pressure that comes with being a top-five pick expected to lead a franchise back to the playoffs.
The time spent with Lillard will certainly help give Suggs a boost of confidence heading into his rookie campaign. He can use the pointers offered by Lillard and add them into his own game, which should only enable him to develop at a quicker pace.
Certainly, Suggs has Jan. 17 circled on his calendar when Lillard and the Trail Blazers visit Orlando.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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