BROOKLYN – The Orlando Magic had a great night in the 2021 NBA Draft. Orlando, who had the third word record in the league, managed to select Jalen Suggs from Gonzaga with the #5 pick and Fraz Wagner with pick #8.
Suggs, was projected #4 pick by Toronto, but they elected to select Scottie Barnes from Florida State.
Suggs is known for being a natural leader that attacks the basket, but also a tough, competitive defender. He is athletic, strong on in transition and is a creative scorer.
Suggs, a 6’4″ combo guard, averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his lone season at Gonzaga while guiding the team to the National Championship game. He shot 50.3 percent from the field, including 33.7 percent from three on 3.5 attempts per game.
“I think I’ve showcased it everywhere I’ve been, just my leadership, my versatility,” Said Suggs. “Even though I’m a rookie, I think everybody will gravitate toward my energy, toward my vibe and toward my work ethic. So bringing that to the city of Orlando with good people there already that I know, I can’t wait to get there.”
The Magic have depth at guard, with Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and RJ Hampton, but the Magic could not pass up the chance at such great potential player. Suggs looks to be the perfect floor leader to put into the mix for Orlando.
With the 8th pick, the Magic selected Franz Wagner, a forward from Germany.
The 6-9 forward averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists at Michigan last season. He shot 47.7 percent from the field during his sophomore season, including 34.3 percent on 3.6 three-point attempts per game.
Wagner is a perfect support player, with length and tenacity on defense, very similar to Suggs.
Franz, the younger brother of Magic Forward Moe Wagner, had interest from other teams, even after he was picked.
According to Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman “It’s hard to find guys like him. Skilled, smart, active without the ball, good size. He will elevate the rest of the team, stretch the floor, very good defender.”
The Magic also hold the 33rd pick in tomorrow’s second round, and there is a lot of movement in this year’s draft.
More to come…
