2 – Orlando Magic select: Jalen Suggs, G
The last time I did a mock draft, Jalen Suggs fell all the way to fifth in the order (and into the hands of the Golden State Warriors). However, thanks to his incredible performance in the NCAA tournament, Suggs has jumped significantly in the rankings.
Suggs showed much more than an ability to bank in a half court game-winner during the tourney. He proved to the world that he can impact a game on every level, creating plays, slashing to the rim and keeping the defense on their heels. Also, his block at the rim followed by a crisp bounce pass against UCLA was arguably the highlight of the night.
The Orlando Magic already have two guards in Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz but Suggs’ explosion in March Madness will force his name into the conversation. It’s likely Suggs will join the Magic and assert his dominance right away due to his all-around skill set.
Suggs has good size and his shot creation is arguably already on the same level as Anthony – if not better. Throw in his sound defensive potential and high-upside as a scorer and this is a good first step towards rebuilding the Magic.