Jalen Suggs’ Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Magic Roster

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

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.