Jalen Suggs
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Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic suffered a knee injury.
The Orlando Magic has issued an update on Jalen Suggs, who suffered a knee injury on January 2 against the Chicago Bulls. It was unfortunate since Suggs was just playing in his second game back after missing seven games due to a hip contusion.
In a press release via the Magic’s Director of Digital News, Dan Savage, the franchise announced that Suggs has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL contusion in his right knee. It’s a worrying injury because the Magic didn’t give a timeline for recovery.
According to Spire Hip and Knee Centre, Grade 1 MCL injuries usually take several weeks to properly heal. It will also depend on how he responds to the RICE protocol, which involves rest, ice application, compression and elevation of the knee above the heart.
The Magic’s announcement also revealed that Suggs is set to undergo treatment as soon as possible. He has been plagued by injuries for the majority of his career so far. His healthiest season was in 2023-24, when he played 75 games.
Suggs has only appeared in 23 games this season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals.
Jamahl Mosley Sends Message to Suggs
Speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley felt disheartened for Jalen Suggs due to his latest injury.
“It’s tough. Your heart goes out to him just because he was just coming back, then something happens again. He’s such a resilient young man. You know he’s been through this process before, and he’s going to continue to bounce back regardless of the scenario,” Mosley said, via Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel.
It has been another rough season, not just for Suggs but for the Magic, in terms of injury. Paolo Banchero missed time in November due to a groin issue, and Franz Wagner is currently out with a sprained ankle.
The Magic are sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings at 20-16. They are just 3.5 games behind the New York Knicks for the second spot. They need to find some consistency, with just five wins in their last 10 games.
Suggs’ Injury Opens Up Opportunity
Despite the injury to Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic received a boost from Anthony Black‘s play. Since Wagner went down with a sprained ankle, Black is averaging 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 12 games.
The same thing can happen if Jalen Suggs misses several weeks because of his knee injury. Derek Parker of Sports Illustrated opined that it could be Jase Richardson‘s time to shine in Orlando.
“The Magic would certainly prefer to have a veteran, defensive-minded guard such as Suggs taking up the bulk of their backcourt minutes. Though early-career experience for Richardson is a plus. He’s certain to be a part of the team’s rotation down the line, given his general addition to winning, and getting reps in now will allow him to reach his potential that much quicker,” Parker wrote.
In 27 minutes against the Indiana Pacers on January 4, Richardson registered 12 points, one rebound and four assists on 56% shooting. Richardson is the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson.