The Orlando Magic dealt with various injuries last season, most notably with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both suffering oblique tears. However, they eventually returned and finished the season, averaging new career-highs. That same benefit didn't come for Jalen Suggs.
The 24-year-old enters his fifth season in the league and has shown some injury concerns so far in his career. Outside of the 2024 season, when he earned All-Defensive second-team honors, Suggs appeared in fewer than 60 games. However, it's not the small nagging ones that have him sidelined. Suggs is known as a hard-nosed player, hustling on every play, diving for loose balls, and taking charges, which takes a toll on the body.
It's what makes him a perfect fit and a cornerstone piece under Jamahl Mosley's system and the Magic franchise.
Last season was a career year for Suggs, averaging 16.2 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists, and shot 41 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from three-point range. Unfortunately, he only appeared in 35 games, the fewest in his young career. Suggs dealt with various injuries throughout the year, but ultimately needed knee surgery, thus ending his season.
The Magic went through the playoffs without their best perimeter defender and lost against the Boston Celtics in the first round after five games. The organization made a blockbuster trade to acquire Desmond Bane, and believes in a backcourt of him and Suggs.
In a recent episode of "The Sixth Man Show," they interviewed the former lottery pick and asked about how the injury feels ahead of media day and training camp.
"I'm feeling really good," Suggs said. "The knee has been a process. This is definitely the hardest summer that I've had so far."
It's good news for the Magic fanbase to hear from the player himself, but it's also cautious. Injuries have derailed Suggs for multiple seasons. He will play an important role in the organization's quest for a championship.
The Magic not only acquired Bane, who can take on ball-handling responsibilities, but also signed Tyus Jones in free agency and drafted Jase Richardson in the first round of this year's draft. They aren't replacements, but can help take pressure off of Suggs.
Every championship-caliber team needs a player that provides the same attributes as Suggs. The Celtics had it in Jrue Holiday, the Denver Nuggets with Bruce Brown, the Golden State Warriors with Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, plus many more.
They impact games in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet.
Suggs' health will be a massive factor in the Magic's mission to bring home its first-ever Larry O'Brien trophy.