For the primary time in a very long time, there are comparatively excessive expectations for the Orlando Magic this season. Final season, the Magic completed with a 47-35 document, their greatest because the 2010-11 season. Moreover, they made some strong strikes this summer time. Most notably, they signed two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The longer term is vivid in Orlando largely as a consequence of their rising duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Nonetheless, there are different notable gamers on the group, particularly younger guard Jalen Suggs. Suggs is coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie contract with the Magic. Nonetheless, whereas nothing is imminent, a contract extension seems to be on the horizon.
In accordance with Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman is “hopeful” the 2 sides will come to phrases on a brand new contract quickly.
“Jalen is an enormous a part of what we’re doing and all people is aware of that,” Weltman mentioned. “For the person who he’s, for the participant that he’s, I’m all the time hopeful that we will get one thing achieved. We’ve got nice relations together with his representatives. I do know that Jalen needs to be part of the Magic. He’s an integral a part of the chemistry and the group on and off the court docket. We’ve had communications together with his reps, however past that I gained’t converse on these conversations,” Weltman added.
Orlando Magic Stay ‘Hopeful’ to Lengthen Essential Piece
Jalen Suggs Needs to Keep With the Orlando Magic
The Magic drafted Suggs fifth general in 2021. Since then, he has developed right into a key participant for the group and is contemporary off the most effective marketing campaign of his profession. Final season, the guard averaged 12.6 factors, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per sport. Moreover, he shot 47.1% from the sphere and 39.7% from past the arc. Each of those marks are simply profession highs for Suggs. He additionally earned All-Defensive Second Staff honors for the primary time in his profession, completed tenth in Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting, and completed eighth in Most Improved Participant voting. He has progressively gotten higher, and at 23 years previous, he nonetheless has room to develop.
Luckily for Magic followers, Suggs has already made it clear that he needs to go nowhere. Moreover, Suggs is able to assume a fair bigger function throughout the 2024-25 season.
“It’s one thing that I’ve needed from the day I’ve stepped into this league,” Suggs mentioned. “I wasn’t ready for it [before]. I wasn’t prepared for it. God knew that and He slowed me down by means of accidents, unhealthy instances, and trials, and actually examined my resolve and the way badly I needed to be right here. And I wish to be right here,” he added. “I don’t wish to be wherever else.”
As he prepares for his fourth NBA season, Suggs could also be in line for the most effective marketing campaign of his profession. On condition that Orlando is in a great place to go again to the playoffs as soon as once more, he and the group have an important alternative to shock lots of people and make some noise subsequent season.
