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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs will be out for an undetermined period due to a knee injury, the team has reported.
According to the Magic:
Following additional assessments, including an MRI, Jalen Suggs has been diagnosed with a trochlea injury in his left knee, as disclosed by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman.
Suggs felt discomfort during his return to activity, prompting further examination and imaging.
He is expected to be sidelined indefinitely while a treatment strategy is formed.
However, he is anticipated to make a full recovery.
Suggs, standing at 6’5” and weighing 212 pounds, has participated in and started 35 games this season for Orlando, averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.46 steals per game in 28.6 minutes of play, boasting an impressive free throw shooting percentage of .882 (97-110).
Drafted by Orlando in the first round as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Suggs has appeared in 211 regular-season games (with 174 starts) for the team, averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.34 steals in 26.4 minutes on average. He has also participated in seven playoff games, where he averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.29 steals in 33.2 minutes per game. Suggs earned recognition as a member of the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
As of now, the Magic sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-32. Suggs’ injury arises at a crucial moment as the team strives for a playoff berth.
There is a chance that Suggs may require arthroscopic surgery, but he remains optimistic about returning in time to support his team during the playoffs.
“My aim is to return, play, and contribute as we make our playoff push,” Suggs stated. “That’s what I’m focusing on.”
