The loss of Paolo Banchero hit the Orlando Magic hard, but it was still something the team could overcome. Franz Wagner wasted no time in living up to his new, much-discussed maximum contract and put a strain on the team. As a result, the Magic quickly got back on their feet and got back into the win column even without Banchero.

Then bad luck with injuries hit the Magic again and Wagner suffered the same injury as Banchero. While the Magic survived the first game without their stars and stayed in the game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the next few games will be challenging.

On the bright side, Orlando could give Jalen Suggs a significant lead. Suggs already looked much improved last season, adding 3-point shooting to his game and making the All-Defensive team.

A larger role offers great opportunities for Jalen Suggs

Without Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs is the player the Magic have turned to as a leader. When the Magic decided not to add an impactful, traditional point guard this summer, their plans for Suggs became apparent. He would be able to develop his shot at the point guard position, allowing the Magic to build a formidable defensive backfield with him and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope while still controlling the offense through their two forwards.

Now things look completely different. Not only will Suggs have to continue to develop as a playmaker while wreaking havoc on defense, but he will also have to bear the brunt of the scoring. He did just that, scoring 26 and 32 points in the last two games and making big plays late.

It appears another breakout is on the way for Suggs. This may be his fourth NBA season, but Suggs is still only 23 years old and his first two seasons in the NBA were plagued by injuries. The 2023–24 season marked the first time in his career that he played more than 53 games, and although he started all 75 games he played, he was not the focal point of the team’s offense. During his time with the Orlando Magic, Suggs has never had to shoulder as much responsibility as he does now.

Suggs played a role alongside Banchero and Wagner. While both are out, he still has a lot more to do. It will be a challenge – Wagner and Banchero command so much defensive attention and know how to make the right play that they make the game easier for everyone else on the pitch – but it will also be an opportunity. At least for a few games, Suggs will see how well he can respond when thrust into a larger role without warning.

Suggs has already established himself as one of the best young perimeter defenders in the league and has shown his potential as a senior 3-and-D guard. Being the team’s best player on both ends for a while is a chance for Suggs to experiment with his new skills and prove he can do so much more.

The Inside the NBA Crew even boldly declared that Jalen Suggs would soon be an All-Star – a statement that not long ago not many people outside of Orlando would have thought of. Even among Orlando fans, it was largely assumed that Wagner and Banchero would be the Magic’s only two All-Star candidates for at least a few seasons.

While Suggs’ play alone may not be enough to give the Magic every win without their two stars, the experience he will gain will be a valuable asset for the Magic in the future. The Magic want to get into the playoffs sooner rather than later and develop into a legitimate contender. If Jalen Suggs can take his game to the next level, it will be crucial to the team’s overall growth.

Another player to watch for the Magic to break through is Anthony Black. Black is still the youngest player on the Magic’s roster, but has a huge opportunity as the team’s backup point guard. He will be even more important without the team’s two best playmakers.