Jalen Suggs

Jalen Suggs (born June 3, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6-foot-5 guard known for his elite perimeter defense and high-octane energy, Suggs has become the emotional and defensive heartbeat of the Magic’s “young core”.

Early Life 

High School and College Career

 

Suggs grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and was a legendary two-sport athlete at Minnehaha Academy. He was the first athlete in Minnesota history to be named both Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football in the same year, leading his school to three state basketball titles and a state football championship.

As a freshman at Gonzaga (2020–21), Suggs gained national fame for his 40-foot game-winning buzzer-beater against UCLA in the Final Four. He finished the season as a consensus Second-team All-American, helping the Bulldogs reach an undefeated regular season and the National Championship game.

 

NBA Career

Orlando Magic (2021–Present)

Suggs was selected fifth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. While his rookie season was hampered by a thumb injury, he quickly established himself as a premier defender. In the 2023–24 season, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, shooting a career-high 39.7% from three and being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

In October 2024, the Magic signed Suggs to a five-year, $150.5 million contract extension, a deal that kicked in at the start of the 2025–26 season.

2025–2026 Season: Triple-Double Milestone

The current 2025–26 season has been a year of development for Suggs as a primary playmaker. Following the off-season addition of Desmond Bane, Suggs has transitioned into a more balanced “point guard” role.

First Career Triple-Double: On February 5, 2026, Suggs recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 118–98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He added four blocks and three steals in the contest, a stat line rarely seen from a guard.

Awards and Honors

• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2024)
• Consensus Second-team All-American (2021)
• WCC Tournament MOP (2021)
• Minnesota Mr. Basketball & Mr. Football (2020)

Personal Life

Suggs is the cousin of multi-time Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs and two-time NBA All-Star Eddie Jones. He remains a vocal leader in the Orlando community through his youth basketball camps and various faith-based initiatives. Suggs was also recently in the news for dating collegiate superstar Hailey Van Lith.