Jalen Suggs has a saying that he’s caught with throughout the early phases of his NBA profession: data is free.
The second-year Orlando Magic guard’s eagerness to be taught has led to him getting steering from two guards on the alternative facet of the nation: Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, the Central Florida native and Edgewater High School alum.
Suggs’ reference to Lillard and Simons was sparked by Magic assistant coach Nate Tibbetts, who was an assistant coach in Portland for eight seasons (2013-21) earlier than becoming a member of Magic coach Jamahl Mosley’s employees.
“Dame, how he carries himself: press conferences, body language, leadership,” Tibbetts informed the Orlando Sentinel on the emphasis of the teachings Suggs took from every participant. “[Simons] extra, they sort of went by way of this each at a younger age. They spent somewhat time speaking about simply the variations [between] being on an older crew vs. a youthful crew. All of us be taught from others.
“We’re trying to help these guys grow as players, but also as who they are.”
Lillard and Simons deliver totally different views which were useful to Suggs as he navigates by way of the primary couple of years as an NBA participant.
With Lillard, an 11-year veteran and seven-time All-Star who scored 41 factors in Portland’s victory at Amway Center on Sunday evening, the teachings have extra so been targeted on off-the-court and interpersonal expertise: how one conducts himself in media conferences plus his physique language in huddles and how you can carry your self.
Suggs and Lillard labored out collectively in Portland forward of Suggs’ rookie season.
“That’s someone I like to learn from,” Suggs informed the Sentinel. “The same way you can get better [on] the court is the same way you can get better off the court. How to handle yourself, how to carry yourself, how to lead, run a team … he shared a lot of stories about how he went about things. We try to replicate the best people. This profession — one aspect of it is on the court and skill-wise. Another aspect of it is your approach.”
Simons, the No. 24 choose within the 2018 draft, has spoken with Suggs about navigating by way of the primary couple of years as an expert and the ups and downs that include it.
Simons averaged 7.1 minutes in 20 video games as a rookie earlier than averaging 20.7 minutes his second yr, 17.3 his third and ultimately 29.5 in 2021-22 — a breakout season for Simons throughout which he averaged 17.3 factors and three.9 assists.
“Talking about the process, missing games, controlling pace, people skills and composing yourself and things like that,” Suggs stated. “Just to be present and stay the course. The same thing Nate tells me all the time is [to] trust your work.”
Lillard and Simons have had related recommendation for Suggs, the No. 5 choose within the 2021 draft.
“Just overall, patience,” Simons informed the Sentinel forward of the Magic’s Sunday loss to the Blazers. “I know especially for [Suggs], [being] a high draft pick. Coming into a great opportunity. Being able to play at a young age, just having patience. Everything’s going to work out the way it should be. No matter what, continue to work and continue to put the work in.”
Suggs stated of the recommendation he’s acquired from Lillard: “Stay the course. [Things] are going to happen. You’re going to get hurt. You’re going to go through rough stretches. Stay the course [and] handle your business. You do that, you put yourself in a position to have success.”
Staying the course has helped Suggs enhance in his second season, particularly over the past month.
Suggs averaged 10.5 factors (43.5% capturing, 38.1% on 3s), 3.4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals in 25.3 minutes within the Magic’s 13 video games because the begin of February getting into Tuesday’s house sport vs. the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks.
He had 15 factors, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and a couple of assists in Sunday’s loss.
“From what I see this year compared to last year, he is figuring it out,” Lillard stated of Suggs on Sunday. “He is figuring out, ‘How do I play to my strengths? … What do I do well?’ He can get downhill; he can get to the rim. He is strong. In transition, he is really good with that speed and ability to finish at the rim.”
Gary Harris (sore left adductor) and large man Wendell Carter Jr. (left hip ache) are listed as questionable vs. the Bucks after not enjoying Sunday.
Admiral Schofield gained’t be obtainable after struggling a concussion in opposition to the Blazers.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com