Every NBA team’s biggest question mark for the 2021-22 season

Orlando Magic: Can Jalen Suggs thrive without a great supporting cast?

Rookie point guards typically struggle mightily during their first seasons when they’re required to run an NBA offense. That’s just the challenge Suggs is going to face this season.

In a perfect world, those first-year guards are blessed with shooting and space to operate in. That’s not the environment Suggs is walking into. If he’s asked to play alongside Markelle Fultz in the backcourt he’ll be paired with one of the weakest shooting guards in the league. In fairness to Orlando’s coaching staff, the bench isn’t exactly blessed with superior options.

That makes this year a total developmental exercise for Suggs. His overall numbers probably won’t look very good given the lack of talent around him. It’s more important for him to flash big-time playmaking ability and to show that he can score efficiently in isolation. If he checks both of those boxes then Orlando will know they made a wise draft pick.

It’s key for Magic cans to stay patient with Suggs this season. He’s not going to emerge as a franchise savior in year one. The key for Orlando’s organization is to make sure they give Suggs enough space to really develop during his rookie campaign.