Jalen Suggs is back in a Magic jersey, and morale goes with it

Not surprisingly, Jalen Suggs he didn’t participate in the Magic’s last preseason game, and he won’t be ready for the rest of the regular season either. But an important step was taken Friday night: against the Pelicans at home, the player participated in pregame warmups, in uniform.

A strong gesture for the leader/guard, who hasn’t worn a Magic jersey in 267 days. As his return nears, getting back into that pre-match routine has given him the confidence he’s been waiting for.

“I want to be mentally ready for the day when I play again, so that I don’t get overwhelmed by emotions when I officially wear the jersey again”, he said last Thursday. “It’s a very good day to get used to this new room and immerse myself in this new environment.”

After undergoing surgery on his left knee to remove fragments of cartilage, Jalen Suggs underwent a long and delicate period of rehabilitation. During ‘media day’, president Jeff Veltman even mentioned a possible return for the season opener against the Heat. The goal is now out of reach, even if progress is clear.

Last week, the player was finally able to participate in three-on-three contact practice after months of being limited to individual practice.

The last part

“It’s been really nice lately to be able to get fully involved and be part of the team”he added. “I’m trying to keep an open mind, I’m learning as I go, I’m continuing to find my feet with Desmond Bain and the rest of the back five, just because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this whole lineup, but it’s great. The fact that we can play at home in this last part of the preseason and the first two games of the regular season also allows me to accumulate very well, and I feel very good even before I start. physically.”

There remains one last hurdle to overcome: regaining full confidence in your support, especially during phases of sudden deceleration or change of direction.

As with the sprained ankle, Jalen Suggs wants to be able to “press” fully without fear. And when that day comes, he will surely be ready. “It’s really just that, being able to have explosiveness and then stop dead, because those are the things you have to make sure on the field.” he explains.

Morale remains high. Jalen Suggs knows what it means to come back from a long injury, as his right ankle has already held him back through his first two NBA seasons.

“The fact that I was able to start this process is great”he reminded. “I still need a few more chances, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.