Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic rookie Jalen Suggs' summer league season has come to an end. 

The team announced Suggs has been diagnosed with a sprained thumb and will be held out of the remaining summer league games as a precaution. 

The injury occurred in the second quarter of Orlando's game against the Boston Celtics on Thursday when he fell to the ground. 

Suggs was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Magic. The 20-year-old is coming to Orlando after a fantastic freshman season at Gonzaga. He led the Bulldogs to a 31-1 record in 2020-21, a trip to the national title game and was a consensus second-team All-American selection. 

The Magic drafted Suggs with the hope that he can become a dynamic playmaking guard that the franchise really hasn't had since Tracy McGrady. 

An absence by Suggs during the regular season would cause all sorts of problems for new head coach Jamahl Mosley. The front office's decision to go all-in on a rebuild last year by trading Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier left the Magic roster without a lot of proven depth. 

Orlando does have intriguing young talent around Suggs, including Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. None of those players has proven they can be a major contributor in the NBA yet, but their continued development will determine how long it takes the franchise to become a playoff contender again. 

Fortunately for the Magic and Suggs, the injury occurred early enough in the offseason that it shouldn't impact his ability to be ready for training camp and the start of the regular season in October. 

Orlando Magic rookie guard Jalen Suggs exited Thursday's Las Vegas Summer League game against the Boston Celtics with a sore left hand, according to The Athletic's Josh Robbins.

Suggs played 11 minutes in the first half and did not return for the third quarter, finishing with six points, two rebounds, two steals and one assist.

Jalen Suggs has a sore left hand and will not return to this summer league game, a Magic official said.

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) August 13, 2021

Suggs went 2-of-6 from the floor, 2-of-2 from the line and 0-of-2 from three, and he made some plays before going down:

The cross ➡️ the finish@jalensuggs cooking early for the Magic in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/bIGSV6WKIh

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 13, 2021

Coast-to-Coast 🌎@jalensuggs | #MagicSummer | @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/1fr3GDLjyc

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) August 13, 2021

The 20-year-old out of Gonzaga fell to the Magic with the No. 5 pick after early consideration as a top-three selection. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman had Suggs ranked No. 4 on his final big board and projected the Toronto Raptors would draft him fourth overall in his final mock draft.

He wrote: "Suggs, who played on and off the ball at Gonzaga, can be interchangeable as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and cutter. He's one of the draft's most complete players, with passing skills, a pull-up and floater game, defensive instincts and winning intangibles that scouts raved about all season."

Suggs' absence will provide an opportunity for other young players looking to impress before training camp. Fellow rookie Franz Wagner and second-year pros R.J. Hampton and Cole Anthony are likely to become larger focal points while Suggs is out.

There's no indication yet how long Suggs is expected to remain on the sidelines or if he'll need any additional rehab.

Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors fans were treated to some extra exhibition minutes as the Magic captured Monday's Las Vegas Summer League matchup 91-89 in overtime. 

After falling to the No. 5 pick in this year's draft, Orlando rookie Jalen Suggs showed flashes of what made scouts fawn over him during the predraft process, as the guard went off for a game-high 24 points in his summer debut.

𝙅 𝘼 𝙇 𝟯 𝙉#MagicSummer || @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/AjEl5lFEuy

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) August 10, 2021

SUGGS 💰#MagicSummer || @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/d7mibmPBcx

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) August 10, 2021

𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 via @jalensuggs #MagicSummer || @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/FExsDBFw7h

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) August 10, 2021

The rookie sank nine of 22 shots—including three of six from behind the arc—to go with nine rebounds, two steals, one assist and three blocks over 28 minutes. 

Fellow Magic rookie Franz Wagner, the No. 8 pick out of Michigan, added five points on 2-of-8 shooting in 29 minutes. He also added six boards. 

from one @umichbball alum to another.@JonTeske → @franzboogie #MagicSummer || @AdventHealth pic.twitter.com/28sq8Y8jTx

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) August 10, 2021

Warriors rookie Jonathan Kuminga impressed as well, pouring in 16 points with six rebounds and three steals in 29 minutes. While the No. 7 pick, who came out of the G League Ignite program, didn't have the best shooting day—6-of-16 from the floor, 0-of-4 from three-point—analysts around the league couldn't help but remark on the physical presence he added on both ends of the court. 

smoooooth to the rack

📺 @ESPN pic.twitter.com/esxIALCJK0

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 10, 2021

I don't know what Kuminga is gonna be, but he's intriguing as hell. He just plowed right through Wagner for a layup.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 10, 2021

Kuminga is strong as an Ox.

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 10, 2021

The 6'7", 225-pound Kuminga will need to work on his game outside the circle, but that's not surprising, as he faces tougher competition. The wing only made one shot outside the restricted zone.

That didn't stop him from leading Golden State in scoring. Kuminga's biggest competition in that regard was fellow rookie Moses Moody, who posted 15 points in the loss. As the Warriors continue to develop their next wave of stars, look for Kuminga and Moody to get as many chances to prove themselves as possible—especially in summer league, where scouts and coaches get their first look at the latest NBA arrivals. 

The Orlando Magic selected Michigan star Franz Wagner with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Franz Wagner

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6'9"

Pro Comparison: Nicolas Batum

Scouting Report: At 6'9", Wagner flashed the versatility to shoot, play-make in ball-screen situations, slash past closeouts and guard wings. Despite playing multiple seasons both overseas and in college, he's still 19 years old.

Magic Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Gary Harris, SG: $21M (2022)

Jonathan Isaac, PF: $17.4M (2025)

Markelle Fultz, PG: $16.7M (2024)

Terrence Ross, SG: $13.5M (2023)

Wendell Carter, Jr., C: $5.5M (2022)

Jalen Suggs, PG: $5.334M (2025)

Franz Wagner, F: $4.05M (2025)

Cole Anthony, PG: $3.4M (2024)

Chuma Okeke, PF: $3.2M (2024)

Michael Carter-Williams, PG: $3M (2022)

RJ Hampton, PG: $2.2M (2024)

Dwayne Bacon, SG: $1.8M (2022)

           

Free Agents

Otto Porter, Jr., SF: UFA

James Ennis III, SF: UFA

Moritz Wagner, C: UFA

Sindarius Thornwell, SG: RFA

Ignas Brazdeikis, SF: RFA

Chasson Randle, PG: UFA

Frank Mason III, PG: UFA

Franz could be reunited with his brother, Moritz Wagner, who was also a star for the Wolverines before moving on to the NBA. Moritz came off the board with the 25th pick in 2018, so that's something he can hang over his brother's head at the family dinner table. 

Wagner spent two years at Michigan, averaging 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He also shot 46.5 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The 6'9" guard made an immediate impact and earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. He followed that up by getting voted on to the All-Big Ten Second Team by coaches and the third team by the media as a sophomore.

The Magic's rebuild is off to a strong start, with Wagner pairing with No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs to give the franchise a high-ceiling rookie duo to build around. 

If Suggs and Wagner play up to their potential, while Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba continue to take steps forward, the Magic could become an Eastern Conference playoff contender in the not-too-distant future.

Gonzaga star Jalen Suggs is headed to the Orlando Magic after going No. 5 overall in the 2021 NBA draft.

The rookie wage scale combined with the salary cap largely lock in what players will earn when they first arrive in the league. 

Here are Suggs' projected salaries for his first five years, per RealGM:

• 2021-22: $5,494,200
• 2022-23: $5,768,700
• 2023-24: $6,043,500
• 2024-25: 26.7 percent increase over 2023-24 salary
• 2025-26: 32.6 percent increase over 2024-25 salary

There is some wiggle room since a player can sign for between 80 and 120 percent of the wage scale. For example, Anthony Edwards was allotted a little more than $8.1 million after the Minnesota Timberwolves took him with the No. 1 overall pick. He ultimately got $9.8 million for his first year, the maximum allowed.

Suggs told CNBC Make It's Nicolas Vega in June he already has plans for his first big paycheck.

"I really want to get a nice car, not even for myself, for my mom," he said. "She's got an Escalade that she's dreamed of and talked about almost every day. I really want to get that for her. I never could've gotten here all by myself."

When the 2020-21 college basketball season got underway, many pegged Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham as the most likely player to go No. 1 overall in 2021. He was the top overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings, and the hype predated his arrival in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Over the course of his one year at Gonzaga, Suggs at least closed the gap on Cunningham. The 6'4" guard averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He also shot 50.3 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from beyond the arc.

The NCAA tournament proved to be a great showcase for Suggs. He dropped 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the Elite Eight against USC before scoring 16 points and hitting the game-winner against UCLA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx3LuhZOFn8

The jump to the NBA can be more difficult for guards compared to other positions because they have the ball in their hands more often.

Still, Suggs should make an immediate impact in Orlando.

A standout player for Gonzaga as a freshman last season, Jalen Suggs will bring his diverse set of skills to the Orlando Magic after being selected No. 5 overall in the 2021 NBA draft. 

Suggs was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs win their first 31 games in 2020-21 and reach the national championship game. He was named West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year and won Most Outstanding Player of the WCC tournament.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Jalen Suggs

Position: PG

Height: 6'4"

Pro Comparison: Jrue Holiday

Scouting Report: Suggs will put pressure on defenses right away with his athleticism downhill, transition passing and pull-up game. His winning intangibles also factor heavily into his likeability as a teammate and chances of maximizing his potential.

Magic Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Gary Harris, SG: $21M (2022)

Jonathan Isaac, PF: $17.4M (2025)

Markelle Fultz, PG: $16.7M (2024)

Terrence Ross, SG: $13.5M (2023)

Wendell Carter, Jr., C: $5.5M (2022)

Jalen Suggs, PG: $5.334M (2025)

Cole Anthony, PG: $3.4M (2024)

Chuma Okeke, PF: $3.2M (2024)

Michael Carter-Williams, PG: $3M (2022)

RJ Hampton, PG: $2.2M (2024)

Dwayne Bacon, SG: $1.8M (2022)

Free Agents

Otto Porter, Jr., SF: UFA

James Ennis III, SF: UFA

Moritz Wagner, C: UFA

Sindarius Thornwell, SG: RFA

Ignas Brazdeikis, SF: RFA

Chasson Randle, PG: UFA

Frank Mason III, PG: UFA

Suggs became the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Gonzaga. He was a 5-star prospect and No. 11 overall player in the 2020 college class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

It turned out to be a perfect marriage. Suggs ranked third on the Bulldogs in scoring with 14.4 points per game and led the team with 4.5 assists per contest.

Suggs' buzzer-beater in the Final Four gave Gonzaga a 93-90 win over UCLA and a trip to the national title game. He's got big-play ability and the mentality to become a superstar at the next level.

After things didn't fall their way in the lottery, the Magic couldn't have asked for a better result for their first pick. Suggs gives them a legitimate offensive threat who should be their primary ball-handler as soon as he steps on the court for them.

Orlando's front office went all-in on rebuilding last season by trading away Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier. Suggs joins a promising young nucleus that includes Markelle Fultz, Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony and Jonathan Isaac. 

Several teams have spoken with the Orlando Magic about guard/forward Terrence Ross, per SNY's Ian Begley.

The 30-year-old Ross averaged a career-high 15.6 points last year. He is under contract through the 2022-23 season and owed $24 million until then.

Ross has played nine NBA seasons. He began his career with the Toronto Raptors in 2012 before the Raps dealt him to the Magic in February 2017.

The Magic are probably best-served moving on from Ross with the team breaking up its core over the past year.

Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier, who were the top three players on a Magic team that made the playoffs in 2019 and 2020, all found themselves on new teams before the March 25 trade deadline with Orlando floundering in the standings.

Orlando is now undergoing a rebuild under first-year head coach Jamahl Mosley, with a clear focus on young players such as Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., R.J. Hampton, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba. None of those players are older than 23 years of age.

The Magic will also be adding to that young core thanks to a pair of lottery draft picks (No. 5 and No. 8).

Orlando likely isn't competing for a championship in the short-term future as this team's roster takes shape and the young players develop.

In turn, Ross is a solid veteran more than capable of contributing to a contender rather than playing on a team breaking it down and starting over again.

The fact that Ross could be available via trade isn't surprising as the Magic embark on a new era, and there should be interest for the wing's services, especially as a scoring threat off the bench.

James Ennis III may have the opportunity to play for a contender during the 2021-22 campaign after he was a member of the 21-51 Orlando Magic in 2020-21.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the veteran "is expected to receive interest from several postseason contenders" in free agency after he turned heads this past season by connecting on 43.3 percent of his three-pointers.

Ennis, 31, has been a journeyman throughout his career, which includes stops with the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Magic on his resume.

He isn't the type of addition who will define an offseason during free agency, but he is a solid role player who could help those contenders as they battle for playoff spots.

The Long Beach State product averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.8 steals in 24.0 minutes per game this past season.

His perimeter shooting immediately stands out, especially for those reportedly interested contenders who surely have marquee players who attract defensive attention and create open looks for wing players.

Ennis' ability to knock those shots down all while playing solid defense makes him more valuable. Opponents shot 0.9 percent worse than their normal averages in 2020-21 when he guarded them, per NBA.com.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see an impressive shooter with defensive versatility sign early in free agency.

Two weeks away from the 2021 NBA draft, Florida State forward Scottie Barnes is reportedly moving up team boards.

Per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, the Orlando Magic are "high" on Barnes with the No. 5 pick. The Oklahoma City Thunder have a preference of either Barnes or James Bouknight from Connecticut at No. 6.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman moved Barnes up to No. 5 in his big board rankings Thursday, citing a combination of respect for his game from scouts and concern over Jonathan Kuminga's upside.

"There is a sense he's a more capable shooter than the numbers suggest, and though he doesn't possess traditional upside fueled by scoring skills, his playmaking, finishing and defense create a different type of star potential," Wasserman wrote of Barnes.

After the June 22 lottery finalized the draft order, Kuminga was widely regarded as the fifth-best prospect in the class behind the big four (Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green and Evan Mobley).

O'Connor noted Kuminga, who averaged 15.8 points on 38.7 percent shooting and 7.2 rebounds in 13 starts with the G League Ignite, "has been scarcely mentioned" in NBA circles as a favored option for the Magic or Thunder.

Barnes was a breakout star during his lone season at Florida State in 2020-21. He earned ACC Sixth Man of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 10.3 points on 50.3 percent shooting, 4.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game in 24 appearances.

If Kuminga does fall further than expected, the Magic could still select him. They also own the eighth overall pick as compensation from the Nikola Vucevic trade with the Chicago Bulls in March.   

After spending the past 15 seasons as an assistant coach, Jamahl Mosley will be an NBA head coach for the first time with the Orlando Magic. 

PRESS RELEASE:@OrlandoMagic name Jamahl Mosley head coach.

Mosley becomes the 15th head coach in franchise history.#MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/XqOyfYmKzf

— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) July 11, 2021

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic first reported the team's plan to hire Mosley.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, citing sources, reported "Mosley has agreed-in-principle to a four-year deal."

Mosley has been an assistant coach since he was 28 when the Denver Nuggets hired him before the 2006-07 season. He joined Rick Carlisle's staff with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2014.

After Carlisle resigned from the Mavs in June, Dallas Basketball's Mike Fisher reported that Luka Doncic "would endorse" Mosley taking over.

Dallas opted to go with Jason Kidd as Carlisle's replacement, but an endorsement from one of the NBA's best young players does speak volumes about how well-regarded Mosley is as a coach.

The Magic cast a wide net in their search to find a replacement for Steve Clifford. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported June 27 that Anfernee Hardaway "emerged as a serious candidate" for the job after meeting with the team.

Becky Hammon, Mike D'Antoni, Charles Lee and Wes Unseld Jr. were among the other candidates considered by the Magic.

Orlando is looking for some stability at the position after parting ways with Clifford coming off a 21-51 record in 2020-21. The franchise did go all-in on a rebuild by trading Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier during the season.

Those deals helped the Magic secure two of the top eight picks in the 2021 NBA draft. They also have promising young players already on the roster, including Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton and Mo Bamba.

If some combination of those players and two lottery picks this year develop as the Magic expect, Mosley could have the franchise back on track in a hurry.