JALEN SUGGS, that’s it, that is the review.
Thank You,
by Jay Serrano.
Okay, okay I promise we will get into a deeper dive into how the 2021 Las Vegas Summer League went for the Orlando Magic. But man, I think I speak for most of the Magic fans when I say things are about to get real exciting in Orlando. The 2021 Summer League roster included 2021 lottery picks Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, along with second year players Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, Ignas Brazdeikis and a mix of the Lakeland Magic G-League roster and one of the most popular player in all of Summer League, Latvian Big Man and 2013 2nd round draft pick Janis Timma.
The excitement going into Vegas for the Magic squad began when the rosters were officially announced. Getting the chance to see two core pieces from last season along with the new rookies just drafted was enticing not only for Magic fans, but to a lot of people around NBA circles. While some had questions as to whether Suggs, Anthony, and Hampton can co-exist in the backcourt together considering the impending return of Markelle Fultz from injury, the early play from Summer League indicates that all 3 can be interchangeable at either of the guard positions and with the size and athleticism of Suggs and Hampton they could even play some small forward.
Now let’s talk about Jalen Suggs. For starters it is still surreal to know he fell to the Magic after the Toronto Raptors elected to go with Scottie Barnes out of FSU. I was at the Amway center during the draft party and let me tell you, the atmosphere was something that has not been felt in quite some time, it was phenomenal. Finally, the Magic were gifted with some draft luck. Going into the Summer League it was expected that Suggs would play at a high level and he did not disappoint. He averaged 15.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg in only 21. 8 minutes a game. Most impressively however, he displayed his trademark defense and athleticism that made him such a highly regarded prospect to begin with. The biggest example of this was when he stopped a 2-on-1 fast-break by blocking the 14th overall pick, Moses Moody, and preventing the bucket. His ability to switch defenders and still go up and not only contest the shot but block it, was phenomenal to see. This was in the first game no less. He also continued to display his ability to play off the ball which should ease any of their earlier concerns of the backcourt fit. It seems it will be Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz as the starting backcourt assuming everyone’s healthy. Based on the positive reaction around the league and more importantly within the Magic community, we have a star on our hands in Orlando. Watch out NBA!
When it comes to the 8th overall pick, Franz Wagner, he had a slower start in getting accustomed to the speed of the game, but once he settled in and got more comfortable you could see the potential in his game as a Swiss-army knife type of player. He only averaged 8.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.2 spg however his versatility and basketball IQ were on full display, scoring the ball in different ways and showing the ability to guard multiple positions on defense. While some fans questioned the pick on draft night, it is clear to see the vision of GM Jeff Weltman and the type of team he is trying to create. Wagner fits in perfectly with that mold.
As far as second year players Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton go, they did not quite meet the high expectations placed on them due to their previous NBA experience. Anthony only averaged 7.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 apg in 20.7 mintues per game shooting a low 29 % from the field. While RJ Hampton averaged 7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 apg in 21.9 minutes per game. Now despite their inefficiency scoring the ball I would not be too concerned with their play translating into the regular season. This was their first chance to play in a Summer League, since it was cancelled last season, and although they did gain valuable minutes playing during the latter half of the regular season for the Magic, the different atmosphere surrounding not only the Magic but every other team surely had some effect. Come training camp and the start of the season, I fully expect the team to get comfortable and start playing their game.
Now on to Latvian sensation Jannis Timma. If you did not know who he was prior to watching Summer League, you definitely heard his name throughout the week. From the tattoos, the beach blonde hair and his orange Lambo, Janis displayed his superstar lifestyle outside of NBA on social media which in turn only increased his marketability throughout the world. He was certainly one of the biggest trending topic in all of Summer League. As far as on the court, Janis displayed his high basketball IQ knowing where to position himself on both defense and offense along with a sweet shooting stroke from three point range. He never seemed to be too high or too low despite whatever was going on during the game, which was impressive to see in his first taste of NBA action. Perhaps the biggest positive on Janis has to be his high character. He is very unselfish and whenever he has been interviewed he has stressed the importance of not getting too strung up emotionally on what happens on the court, to just continue to stay focused and determined and believe in one another. His team first mentality and maturity he brings is desperately needed and should lock him into the final roster spot in Orlando.
Rounding out the rest of the team include the likes of current and former Lakeland Magic players including Jon Teske, Justin Jackson, Jeff Dowtin, D.J. Hogg and Hassani Gravett amongst a few others attempting to make a roster.
Overall the 2021 Summer League just reinforced the fact that the Magic currently have a lot of talent within the organization, which is only going to accelerate the rebuilding process and get them back into playoff contention sooner than most around the league realize. The excitement is back in Orlando for NBA Basketball, it’s time to share that with the rest of the world.
Let’s Go Magic!
by Jay Serrano
