Orlando Magic rookie Jalen Suggs will return to the starting lineup Wednesday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers, acting head coach Jesse Mermuys said.
Suggs had started in each of his first 21 games of the season prior to missing 20 games due to a fractured right thumb. He has come off of the bench in each of his three games since returning, averaging 12.7 points, five rebounds and four assists on 58.6% shooting from the field.
Mermuys said his ability on defense is a big reason for the change.
I think his intensity, physicality and toughness that he brings to the game and his ability to bring physicality on the defensive end on the ball — it really bothers guys. As he progresses in his career and he learns how to do it without fouling, he can be a very high-level defender in this league.
The addition of Suggs gave the Magic more of their competitive edge back given his spirit and energy off the bench. He also has played with a toughness that is visible the second he steps onto the court as the team will now have that back in the starting lineup.
Suggs entered the NBA draft highly touted as a tremendous competitor with a great work ethic. The team greatly missed those attributes during his time away from the court, but they now have their top-five pick back as he is once again affecting games.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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