Career Timeline of Jalen Suggs: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jalen Suggs, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jalen Suggs is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. He was drafted fifth overall by the Magic in the 2021 NBA draft. Before turning professional, Suggs played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: State Championship

In 2018, as a junior, Jalen Suggs led his football team, SMB Wolfpack, to a Class 4A state championship. In his senior season, Suggs helped SMB finish as Class 4A runners-up and was named Minnesota Mr. Football.

2019: Senior Year

In 2019, as a senior, Jalen Suggs averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, five assists and 3.9 steals per game. The school's 2019–20 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic one day after it won a section title, and the team was unable to defend its state championship. Suggs earned MaxPreps All-American first team and Minnesota Mr. Basketball honors, and was named Minnesota AP Player of the Year. He was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit, but all three games were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 3, 2020: Committed to Gonzaga University

On January 3, 2020, Jalen Suggs committed to play college basketball for Gonzaga University, choosing them over offers from other universities. He was considered a five-star recruit by ESPN.

November 25, 2020: College Debut

On November 25, 2020, Jalen Suggs made his college debut, recording 24 points and eight assists in a 102–90 win over Kansas.

2020: Played for Gonzaga Bulldogs

In 2020, Jalen Suggs played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

March 9, 2021: WCC Tournament Title

On March 9, 2021, Jalen Suggs recorded 23 points, five rebounds and five assists in an 88–78 win against BYU at the 2021 WCC tournament title game and was named tournament most outstanding player.

April 19, 2021: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 19, 2021, Jalen Suggs declared for the 2021 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

2021: NBA Debut and Injury

In 2021, Jalen Suggs made his NBA debut. Later that year, on November 29, he fractured his right thumb in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

2021: Drafted into the NBA

In 2021, Jalen Suggs was selected by the Orlando Magic with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft.

2021: NBA Draft

In 2021, Jalen Suggs was selected with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic.

November 18, 2022: Game-Winning Shot

On November 18, 2022, Jalen Suggs hit the game-winning three-pointer in a 108–107 win for the Magic against the Chicago Bulls.

February 4, 2023: Suspension

On February 4, 2023, Jalen Suggs was suspended by the NBA for one game for his role in an altercation during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves the day before.

January 5, 2024: Career-High Points

On January 5, 2024, Jalen Suggs recorded a then career-high 27 points in a 122–120 win over the Denver Nuggets.

April 25, 2024: Playoff Career-High

On April 25, 2024, Jalen Suggs recorded a playoff career-high 24 points in Game 3 of the 2024 Eastern Conference First Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

October 21, 2024: Contract Extension

On October 21, 2024, Jalen Suggs and the Magic agreed to a five–year, $150.5 million contract extension.

November 27, 2024: Career-High Points

On November 27, 2024, Jalen Suggs put up a career-high 31 points, along with seven assists and three rebounds in a 133–119 win over the Chicago Bulls.

January 12, 2025: Back Spasms

On January 12, 2025, Jalen Suggs was taken off the court in a wheelchair because of back spasms during a game against the Toronto Raptors. He fell playing defense without any contact and was clutching at his lower back.