Orlando Magic SG Jalen Suggs Reveals Benefit of In-Season Tournament
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is looking forward to the NBA's first-annual in-season tournament this season and the benefits that it could have for both him and his teammates.
"I'm excited. I can't wait," Suggs said during Magic Media Day. "I think it'd be great a great opportunity for us to get off to a hot start. And I think that's the way that we have to look at it. You know, not looking at going to win a tournament or anything but going to take care of the game by game."
The Magic will play its first in-season tournament game as part of East Group C on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Barclays Center against the Brooklyn Nets. Orlando then has three more scheduled tournament games on Friday, Nov. 17 on the road against the Chicago Bulls, Tuesday, Nov. 21 at home against the Toronto Raptors and Friday, Nov. 24 at home against the Boston Celtics.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) drives to the hoop against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Amway Center.
© Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY
These games will allow a young Magic squad to get an early-season taste of tournament action. While other championship-caliber teams might not be able to gain maximum benefits from the event, a young Orlando squad could certainly use the reps.
Suggs is fixing to be a major part of this newfound growth as he enters what is already his third season in the NBA. Last year, the former No. 5 overall pick averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists while playing in 53 games and making 19 starts.
The Magic begins the season on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at home against the Houston Rockets.
