Why is Jalen Suggs pivotal to Orlando's offense? Magic's defensive expert has taken a giant leap

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has long been known for his defense, but this season he has made significant strides on offense, becoming a crucial contributor for the up-and-coming Eastern Conference team.

Suggs inked a five-year, $150.5 million contract last offseason, set to begin next season, solidifying his place in the Magic's young core alongside forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Jalen Suggs is proving the extension to be a wise investment.

This season, he’s having a career-best offensive performance. Despite playing only three more minutes per game compared to last year, Suggs has increased his scoring and assisting, and is averaging 2.5 "stocks" (steals + blocks) per game.

His scoring average has jumped from 12.6 points per game to 16.8, with assists at their best since his rookie season and rebounds at a career-high.

With injuries to key teammates this season, Suggs has stepped up his offensive aggression, taking a career-high 14.2 shots per game and converting them at a 41.2% rate. He’s also attempting a career-high 7.2 3-pointers per game, hitting them at a respectable 31.1%.

This season’s aggressiveness is reminiscent of his rookie year when the Magic were in a rebuilding phase, and Suggs was given the green light to shoot. It’s only the second time in his career he has averaged double-digit shot attempts per game.

His aggression is also evident in his free-throw numbers, averaging a career-high 3.2 makes per game while shooting a stellar 91.8% from the line, another career-best. His true shooting percentage stands at 54.0%.

With his max contract kicking in next year, the Magic can feel confident that Suggs is developing into a two-way star and a cornerstone for their backcourt.

As Orlando looks to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, especially with three of their double-digit scorers sidelined due to injuries, Jalen Suggs is likely to take on an even larger offensive role as the season progresses.

Jalen Suggs suffers wrist injury

Already facing numerous injuries to key players, the Magic suffered another setback when Jalen Suggs sprained his right wrist during the second quarter of their 102-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. He did not return to the game.

In 13 minutes of action, Suggs logged eight points on 2-for-7 shooting, along with two rebounds and two assists.

Orlando is already without stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who are both sidelined with oblique injuries, and Mo Wagner, who is out for the season with an ACL tear.

Despite these challenges, the Magic have managed to stay competitive, holding the No. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference with a 20-14 record and maintaining a two-game lead over the fifth-place Milwaukee Bucks.