By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs will be sidelined indefinitely due to a knee injury, the club announced.
Per Magic:
After undergoing further evaluation, including an MRI, Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been diagnosed with a trochlea injury in his left knee, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman has announced.
During his return to play activities, Suggs was experiencing discomfort, which led to additional evaluation and imaging.
Suggs will be out indefinitely, as a treatment plan is developed.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
Suggs (6’5”, 212, 6/3/01) has played and started in 35 games this season with Orlando, averaging 16.2 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 3.7 apg. and 1.46 stlpg. in 28.6 minpg., while shooting .882 (97-110) from the free throw line.
Originally selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2021 NBA Draft by Orlando, Suggs has played in 211 career NBA regular season games (174 starts), all with Orlando, averaging 12.3 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 3.3 apg. and 1.34 stlpg. in 26.4 minpg. He has also played and started in seven career NBA playoff games, averaging 14.7 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 3.3 apg. and 1.29 stlpg. in 33.2 minpg. Suggs was named to the 2023-24 NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
The Magic are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 29 – 32. Suggs’ injury comes at a time when the team is pushing to secure a playoff spot.
While there’s the possibility that Suggs will undergo arthroscopic surgery, the player hopes that he can make it in time to help his team in postseason.
“My goal is to come back, play, and make an impact as we push for the playoffs,” Suggs said. “That’s what I’m working toward.”