Jalen Suggs anchors a fierce defense while Anthony Black faces a critical prove-it season, determining if Orlando’s supporting cast can transform potential into a deep playoff run.
Full Court Magic Host and Roundtable contributor Don Strouble recently discussed the trends of Orlando Magic's supporting cast for Paolo Banchero with RJ Saunders of 1010XL Magic. Here is what he had to say:
On Jalen Suggs' role alongside Desmond Bane in the backcourt:
I did an evaluation piece on the Jalen Suggs/Desmond Bane backcourt recently, and what I would tell Jalen is to lean into your strengths. The Magic are in this unique position where they do not have a true floor general in either Suggs or Bane. Both of those guys are more shooting guards by nature in how they play, but they are both also capable of facilitating an offense. Last year Jalen had a career-high in assists even though his usage rate was lower than the other three key guys—Paolo, Franz, and Desmond.
So we know that he can step into a point guard role, but I think first and foremost, he is a defensive guard that can terrorize teams in the half court and give you problems on the ball. By acquiring Desmond Bane, they took some of the offensive pressure off Jalen. What I would tell him is: when you have the ball in your hand, make the right choice. Don't try to be too flashy, don't try to be something you're not, and really lean into your strengths on the defensive end and continue to be that anchor for this group moving forward.
On Anthony Black's development and upcoming contract extension decision:
Black has taken pretty exponential jumps each of his first three years in the league. He came in as a rookie, played in 69 games, made 33 starts, but only averaged 4.6 points per game—he had to work through those growing pains. The next season after that, he increased his point average total by almost five, and then last year jumped up to 15. So he's growing as a scorer. I really believe that under the guidance of former assistant God Shammgod, he was able to improve his handle and learn how to create his own shot. We saw him legitimately take over games—I will never forget that game against the Denver Nuggets two days after Christmas where he drops 38 and goes head-to-head with the Joker!
So the kid has it in him, but can he do it consistently? Because there are other parts of his game that are lacking: he's not a great perimeter shooter, he's pretty mediocre at the free-throw line, and he's still learning how to facilitate for his teammates. I do think that an extension is out there; I know Keith Smith of Spotrac envisioned him falling somewhere in the four-year, $80 million range. But if the Magic decide to keep him on ice, this is absolutely a prove-it year for the young man because next year he hits restricted free agency. He's on a $10 million club option this season and he has to show what he can do. The last thing he wants to do—two different kinds of players, but end up like Jalen Duren, because I believe that Magic series and when they played the Cavs cost him a lot of money, and we've seen the offseason drama that's going on between him and that organization. I think that this team can benefit from Anthony Black, but if they decide to wait, then it's on him to show why he is worth big-time money for someone in a sixth-man position like he is in.
On year-two growth for Jase Richardson and Noah Penda:
They've both grown tremendously in terms of the mental side of the game and the physical side of the game. They've done what it takes. I was at the media availability just before they left for Vegas: Jase Richardson is really trying to hone in on his weaknesses by becoming a better defender and a better facilitator for his team. It's the same thing with Noah Penda, basically talking about how all those rookie mistakes—you've got to get them out of the way in year two, and you cannot have those same things pop up again and again.
Those guys put proof into practice of what they were talking about by their performances in Vegas—both of them had moments where they were taking over games. Summer League coach DJ Bakker talked about how Jase Richardson was leaning into that leadership role and really became a voice that the team needed. That's what's interesting about the Magic, and I guess the silver lining in all the injuries they deal with: you look at Jase, Noah, and Tristan da Silva—these guys did not have the luxury of going down to the G League and developing. They were getting up off the bench and playing in real NBA games because this team needed them as they were running thin on depth. There's no better experience than being thrown right into the fire, and both Jase Richardson and Noah Penda have grown from it and will be better for it in year two.
