What Jalen Suggs Needs to do to be Successful Next Season

As the Orlando Magic approach the 2026-27 season, it will be up to their best players to carry much of the responsibility to ensure they can reach greater heights.

It is true that injuries have been a hindrance for the Magic in recent seasons, but it is also true that certain shortcomings have prohibited them from taking the next step. One player who has suffered from both factors is Jalen Suggs.

Suggs is a talented guard whose skill set is predicated on being a strong defender, but health has not always been on his side. During his five-year NBA career, he has played more than 65 games only once, and last season he was limited to 57 games. 

Moreover, while Suggs has proven to be an elite defender in several instances, his offensive game has also been lacking at times. In Orlando’s playoff series against the Detroit Pistons last season, Suggs struggled mightily after a fiery start to Game 1 that set the tempo for his team's win.

Next season, Suggs will need to play to his strengths for the Magic to benefit, and it is something I recently discussed with my colleague RJ Saunders on 1010XL Magic:

"I did an evaluation piece on the Jalen Suggs and 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.

I believe last year Jalen had a career high in assists, even though his usage rate was lower than the other three key guys that we talk about: 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 who can terrorize teams in the half-court and give you problems on the ball. I think that by acquiring Desmond Bane, they took some of the offensive pressure off Jalen.

So, 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."

Suggs has what it takes to be a consistently impactful player, and we will see if health and production remain on his side in year six."